Kentucky State University has been awarded a $7 million grant from the National Science Foundation for an agricultural research incubator that has partners across the state.
With the dollars, KSU plans to establish a statewide research network that focuses on agriculture, climate change and access to fresh food called Driving AgTech Research and Education in Kentucky (DARE-KY). Other partners on the project include the University of Pikeville, Bluegrass Community and Technology College, Kentucky Science and Technology Corporation and FoodChain Inc.
The project will focus on soilless food systems for more sustainable agriculture. The systems will be hydroponic and use fish waste as fertilizer to grow produce. KSU President Koffi Akakpo said the grant was a historic announcement for the university.
"This project emphasizes impact — the impact on the commonwealth by Kentucky State University and partners, the impact on the economy, on education and on the future," Akakpo said. "I could not be more proud." Representatives from the offices of U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell and U.S. Rep. James Comer attended a ceremony on campus Thursday afternoon. Frankfort and Franklin County officials, Education and Labor Cabinet personnel and state lawmakers were also present.
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