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PIKEVILLE, Ky. — The Kentucky Department of Agriculture made a stop at the University of Pikeville, Tuesday, to host a farmer’s round table.
“It’s so important that we get out across the state and talk about the state of farming,” said Kentucky Agricultural Commissioner Ryan Quarles. “Here in Pike County, you basically have a renaissance happening. The local food movement is real. You have a wonderful, state-of-the-art farmer’s market.
“Today, I was here to help share some ideas, and also listen to the needs of eastern Kentucky agriculture.”
After the round table discussion, Commissioner Ryan Quarles and his team visited different farms and agricultural sites in the county starting at AppHarvest in Pikeville.
“Today I brought my work boots. We’re going to be getting out onto some eastern Kentucky farms to see how you all have proven that you can be successful on small acreage,” added Quarles.
“That’s something that I can relate to. I grew up on a small family farm in central Kentucky. I like to remind people, particularly in Frankfort, that agriculture is thriving and it exists east of I-75.”
Members of the Pikeville Farmer’s Market and the Pike County Cooperative Extension Office were in attendance during Tuesday’s discussion.
“From the market this year, we’ve picked up four or five more farmers, you know, people that weren’t raising to sell,” said David Walker. Walker is the president of the Pikeville Farmer’s Market and owner/operator of Walker’s Family Farms. “They’ve seen examples of how other people have done it. Now, they’re seeing, you know, here’s a chance.
“Everybody needs a little extra money. The downturn in the coal industry/coal market, that’s kind of what led to a bunch of what we do.”
Commissioner Quarles says he is impressed by local farmers and how local restaurants are linked to Kentucky Proud products.
He says his department is hoping to grow the economy by using agriculture as it’s catalyst.