Between 2019 and 2023, the Kentucky Horticulture Council (KHC) administered a grower program to support small fruit crop growers in Kentucky. Over the course of the program, more than $1.5M was invested by KHC, USDA Rural Development, the Kentucky Agriculture Development Fund, and the University of Kentucky toward technical assistance and inputs like plant material, fertilizer, mulch, trellising, and bird netting as well as some items for marketing, post-harvest handling, and food safety upgraded. Anticipated returns on these annual and perennial crops is well over $3 Million for the participating growers. For the purpose of the program, small fruit crops are defined as edible fruits produced on small perennial plants, including such crops as blackberries, blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries. This program is no longer accepting applications.
Another component of the initiative was supporting student research projects at educational institutions across Kentucky. Project reports are listed below:
- Clark, Sean. 2021. Climate Impact of High-Tunnel Strawberries: A Life Cycle Assessment of the Berea College Farm’s Strawberry Enterprise. Berea College.
- Clark, Sean. 2022. Development of an Enterprise Budget for Organic High-Tunnel Strawberry Production. Berea College.
- Domenghini, Cody. 2021. Elderberry and Mulberry Establishment at EKU’s Red Barn Gardeen. Eastern Kentucky University.
- Dostart, Robbie. 2023. A Comparative Analysis of Hydroponic and Conventional Blueberry Cultivation. Eastern Kentucky University.
- Small Fruit Marketing in Kentucky. University of Kentucky.
- Hydroponic Strawberry Production at Murray State University. Murray State University.
- Economic Feasibility and Consumer Acceptance of Potted Strawberry Plants as an Additional Offering in Fall Mum Sale. Murray State University.
- Maximizing CEA and Field Production of Small Fruit Crops for Appalachian Farming Systems. Morehead State University.
- Durbin, Kristi and Krista Jacobsen. 2023. Increasing Small Fruit Production Capacity through Improving Annual Plasticulture Production Systems in Kentucky. University of Kentucky.
- Thompson, Jody. 2023. Developing Small-Scale Container Production of Native Fruiting Shrubs for Student Training and Cooperative Extension Programs. Kentucky State University.
Frequently asked questions about the program:
Why small fruit crops?
Kentucky has many areas with excellent growing conditions for commercial production of small fruit crops. Additionally, most small fruits are perennial, meaning that, once established, the crop provides a grower with many years of potential revenue as well-tended plantings can produce for more than 20 years. Market conditions (i.e. sales potential) for commercial small fruit production are excellent and many small fruit crops are highly desirable as ingredients in value-added products.
Where can I go now for technical assistance with small fruit crops?
Several Horticulture and Agriculture and Natural Resource Extension Agents across the state also have extensive knowledge and experience in commercial production of small fruits and recommendations for home gardeners. Here is a link to an online geographic map to find your local Cooperative Extension Service office: http://extension.ca.uky.edu/county
The University of Kentucky Department of Horticulture has Extension Specialists and Extension Associates with expertise in commercial production of small fruit crops under Kentucky growing conditions. The crop under cultivation and the geographic location of your farm will determine the technical assistance provider best-suited to your operation:
| Central Kentucky | Eastern Kentucky | Western Kentucky |
| Delia Scott Lexington 859-257-8605 delia.scott@uky.edu | Shawn Wright Quicksand 606-666-2438 x 234 Shawn.Wright@uky.edu | Daniel Becker Princeton 270-365-7541 x 262 Daniel.Becker@uky.edu |