Pulaski County boasts a robust commercial vegetable and fruit industry.  Between two farmers’ markets, several large on-farm markets, and one of the largest commercial wholesale vegetable and strawberry producers in the state, growers range from small to large and their needs can be quite different. Several trainings for Pulaski County’s commercial horticulture producers were offered during the year.  

     A training on growing crops in high tunnels was conducted for Pulaski County growers.  Several took advantage of the cost-share offered by the soil conservation service.  Seventeen farmers participated in the training.

     The Pulaski County Horticulture Agent provided a food safety training for 10 people. This training is currently needed to sell at one local produce auction and to provide sampling of raw produce at farmers’ markets. These trainings promote food safety and good agricultural practices for any commercial fruit or vegetable grower.

     The Pulaski County Extension office hosted Home-Based Microprocessor Training. This training enables growers to process their fruits or vegetables into a shelf stable product to be sold at certain markets.  Four growers participated.

     An advanced beekeeping program was coordinated with a local beekeeper who does many talks in and out of state.  Beekeeping D to Z (After the ABCs) consisted of 3 in-class trainings and one in-the-hive session.  Average attendance was about 20 at each session.  Several beekeepers came from outside Pulaski County to attend.  

     The Pulaski County Horticulture Agent provided Private Pesticide Applicator Training for farmers. Five sessions were held, 125 growers received their certification.

     The Kentucky Vegetable Growers Association president is a Pulaski County farmer and has led this group for the past two years.

     Pulaski County has two farmers markets yet neither has a pavilion or structure to protect them and their customers from the weather.  Four farmers and the Pulaski County Horticulture Agent met with the new Somerset mayor, the community development specialist, and the County Judge Executive.  The city has agreed to build the structure using grant monies available from the Governor’s Office of Agricultural Policy (GOAP). After meeting with GOAP representatives and the mayor and his team, the GOAP agreed that the project met their guidelines. The Pulaski County Horticulture Agent and the Somerset community development specialist attended the GOAP Committee meeting and the project met with their approval. As of this date, full GOAP board approval is not known. If awarded the grant, construction will begin in September or October 2019.