KCARD director tells oversight panel the nonprofit helps 516 farms in 2023 and urges producers to seek help before applying for grants

Brent Lyke, executive director of KCARD, told the Tobacco Settlement Agreement Fund Oversight Committee that his nonprofit provides technical assistance, business planning and grant facilitation to farmers and ag businesses across Kentucky.

Lyke said KCARD was created after the 2001 master settlement and has received Ag Development Fund (tobacco-settlement) support since then. "At one time, it represented probably over 60% of our funding," he said. He told members KCARD currently receives about $450,000 a year from the Ag Development Fund and that "last year, the total revenue for in 2023 was approximately $1,250,000," with a projected operating budget near $1.6 million in 2024 as KCARD diversifies to federal grants and fee-for-service work.

Lyke described core services the nonprofit provides at little or no cost to producers: one-on-one business development, marketing plans, feasibility studies, cooperative development assistance, and help with federal grant processes such as SAM.gov and Grants.gov registration. He said KCARD assisted 516 farms and businesses in 2023 across 102 counties and estimated the organization's direct economic impact at about $14.5 million.

On diversification for farmers facing tobacco-market losses, Lyke said KCARD runs workshops and targeted technical-assistance programs. He announced a Murray workshop scheduled for Oct. 22 aimed at farmers transitioning from dark-fired tobacco to produce or livestock and stressed KCARD’s role in helping clients understand labor, insurance and market differences.

Members pressed Lyke on practical needs. Representative King asked whether producers should come to KCARD before seeking grants or loans; Lyke recommended starting with KCARD for intake and screening so staff can identify the best funding match. Representative McPherson asked whether KCARD helps with labor or H‑2A paperwork; Lyke said KCARD does not complete H‑2A applications but refers clients to workforce partners and helps design training and workforce solutions with partner organizations.

Senator Boswell asked whether KCARD’s operating funds come from the tobacco-settlement Ag Development Fund; Lyke said KCARD has received those funds since 2001 and now leverages them with USDA grants and other revenue streams. "We're the primary awardee currently on 3 large federal grants," he said.

Lyke also described KCARD’s disaster-assistance role — noting more than $1.3 million distributed through local retail stores after 2021 tornadoes — and an AgVets program that served more than 350 veterans and active‑duty personnel.

Lyke closed by urging members to refer producers to KCARD early in the planning process: "That's our main email number, main phone number... once when she gets them, she sends them to me, and then I figure out which person on staff needs to reach out," he said. The committee scheduled follow-up presentations and outreach as requested by members.