The Kentucky Horticulture Council (KHC) has announced two new staff members – McKenzie Fox and Bethany Prekopa – who will be managing programs that support specialty crop growers and green industry businesses in Kentucky.
“On behalf of the Kentucky Horticulture Council and its member organizations, we welcome Bethany and McKenzie, who will be working directly with Kentucky’s horticulture industry,” said Cindy Finneseth, Executive Director of KHC. “Each has a strong set of skills and experience to provide horticulture growers and agribusinesses in Kentucky the support to continue to produce and deliver high quality products and services.”
Fox is focusing on farm to school and value chain projects. She is a local food enthusiast with extensive experience in developing educational programs. This Spring, she was instrumental in launching the online ordering system for the
Franklin County Farmers Market. Fox is a graduate of Alma College and has worked for the US Forest Service and the Antrim Conservation District in Bellaire, Michigan.
“I am very excited at the opportunity to work for KHC, especially because my work combines two of my passions – local food and education!” said McKenzie. “I look forward to working with growers, food service directors, teachers, and
students to bring more local foods into our schools.”
Prekopa is supporting growers selling products directly to customers. She comes to KHC from the University of Kentucky’s Food Connection where she prepared delicious seasonal menus using locally grown produce. She is a farmers market advocate, having interned at the Lexington Farmers Market promoting and assisting vendors with online store creation and setting up mobile payments. Prekopa is a Kentucky native and a graduate of UK.
“I am so proud to be working for and representing Kentucky Horticulture Council,” said Bethany. “Even in the few weeks I’ve been here, I’ve been able to work on projects that I am deeply passionate about. I hope you see this passion come through in my work to elevate our farmers markets, agritourism, and horticulture businesses!”
According to Jeremy Hinton of Hinton’s Orchard and Farm Market and president of KHC, “These new positions at KHC will amplify our support to Kentucky’s multi-billion dollar horticulture industry. We are excited about the new programs we are able to offer Kentucky producers.”
The Kentucky Horticulture Council (KHC) is a 501(c)-5 non-profit organization established to support specialty crop grower groups in Kentucky. KHC is supported through grants and the Kentucky Agricultural Development Fund (KADF). To learn more, contact KHC at 859-490-0889 or info@kyhortcouncil.org.
