University of Kentucky College of Agriculture researchers evaluated the Kentucky Agricultural Development Fund investments from 2001-2006 and determined they have had "a significant positive impact on agriculture and agribusiness in Kentucky," according to their report released Nov. 20.

The study examined the effectiveness of the non-model investments in agriculture, agribusiness and leadership, the county model program investments and the Kentucky Agricultural Finance Corporation. It was co-authored by UK College of Agriculture faculty members Craig Infanger, agricultural economics professor, Richard Maurer, professor of community and leadership development, and Gary Palmer, assistant director of Cooperative Extension Agriculture and Natural Resources.

According to the study, the $86 million invested in the state non-model projects has resulted in an estimated $161 million in additional farm income over a 7-year period, created or expanded markets for 148 products and impacted 50,000 tobacco farmers and more than 100,000 youth.

The complete study can be found at the Governor's Office of Agricultural Policy's Web site, http://agpolicy.ky.gov/Documents/UK-Study.pdf.