Murray

The Kentucky Agricultural Development Board has approved funding for the Western Regional Center for Emerging Technology Inc. that will be used to implement a multi-county program for the development of western Kentucky’s emerging bioenergy industry. The goal of the program is to develop a farm-based agri-energy infrastructure and projects in the Murray State University service region.  A key element of the program involves farmer exploration of new agricultural biomass and bio-based product ventures. The program will benefit western Kentucky farmers, former tobacco growers and foresters by expanding the acreage of the most profitable bioenergy crops and trees; organizing business relationships with bioenergy companies to maximize profitability for farmers and foresters; and assisting in the establishment of biomass processing businesses with the highest likelihood of success.