University of Kentucky Officials are looking to spend $16-million to expand a Caldwell County research center to become the Kentucky Grains Center of Excellence.
“Kentucky has a limited crop rotation of corn, wheat and soy” said UK weed specialist Jim Martin, who works at the center.
“To try and enhance our education and research at the center we’ve got to keep pace with what’s going on in agriculture and this is one of our chances where we feel like we can have an impact, ” Martin said.
The proposal is in the beginning stages. UK Officials presented to a group of legislators last week at the Hopkinsville road facility.
“The legislators may love their ideas, but may not be able to come up with the funds.” Martin said.
With the funding the proposal said the facility would be able to “feed more people, protect the environment and expand the state’s economy."
Martin says the research at the Princeton facility could also help farmers learn about diversifying their options to include canola and other sustainable crops to increase grower’s competitive advantage. UK officials are early in the planning process for the 16-million dollar expansion.
