In 2000, the General Assembly through House Bill 611 allocated 50% of Kentucky’s Master Settlement Agreement.  The Taylor County Cooperative Extension Service became administrator of the county Agriculture Development Council to help facilitate the development of short- and long-term plans for agriculture, evaluate and prioritize projects and distribute funds.

Through this partnership, projects provided opportunities to increase profitability and promote diversification away from tobacco.   Extension assists in facilitating programs and provides educational training for producers.

Producers’ initial earnings are through the 50% cost share.   Long term profitability however has come through improved practices by participating in programs offered.

Since the beginning of the Master Settlement Program $4.6 million have been distributed to producers allowing them to continue having more profitable farming enterprises.