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Kentucky Signs Onto AgriTech Agreement; Governor Calls It Transforming

Governor Beshear says an AgriTech agreement signed Wednesday with 16 organizations including the Dutch government can work to transform Kentucky’s economy.  The initiative is rooted in the AppHarvest project near Morehead where one of the world’s largest greenhouses is being built. 

Governor Beshear said greenhouses will spring up in other parts of the Commonwealth.  The governor noted the new AgriTech slogan in Kentucky is “Let’s Get Growing.” “I believe, not a year from now, just a couple months from now you’re going to hear this ‘Let’s Get Growing’ in conferences and board rooms all across the United States.  We are, going to be, because we are committed to be the leader in AgriTech.  And we’re going to get the attention of this nation and of this world,” said Beshear.

Agriculture technology is promoted as a way to improve yield, efficiency, and profitability.  The Beshear said the coronavirus pandemic has driven home the importance of a stable food supply.  He sees Kentucky’s place in AgriTech as addressing that issue.  The governor added the full backing of state government stands behind this plan.  “And companies are going to find that we have for years had the great types of incentives, of loans, and of grants to truly grow a business.  They’ve just been, in many cases, in different places and not brought to bear for the full life-cycle of a business,” said Beshear.

Beshear sees Kentucky as becoming the Silicon Valley-like area as it relates to AgriTech.  The governor envisions a ten billion dollar impact with 30,000 jobs in the greenhouse sector.  Several universities have signed onto the agreement including Eastern Kentucky University, Berea College, and the University of Kentucky.?

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