Extension services will run urban youth agriculture programs

The Department of Agriculture may accept, receive, distribute, and administer federal and nonfederal money, grants, gifts, donations, and property for its programs. The authority covers funds and property used for department programs and programs under the department's control or supervision. The department must handle and distribute funds according to state or federal law. The commissioner may make agreements with federal, state, or local public agencies to handle funds, commodities, or property. This provision takes effect when the Act takes effect upon passage and gubernatorial approval, or when the Act otherwise becomes law.

The University of Kentucky and Kentucky State University Cooperative Extension Services shall administer a youth agriculture initiative, starting with a pilot and allowing broader implementation as funding permits. Programs are for applicants ages 5 through 18 who apply through an extension office located within or serving a Kentucky urban county, meaning a county with at least 150,000 people. Applicants must have parent or guardian permission and be available for the full one-year term. Each office reviews applications and decides participation based on how many participants it can practicably serve. The initiative may include agriculture education, hands-on activities, internships, and apprenticeships. Full implementation depends on available funding. The pilot must begin January 1, 2027. Offices may begin full implementation and evaluation September 1, 2027, and potential scaling may begin September 1, 2028. Each program term lasts one year and begins in September.