Gov. Beshear Announces $3.7 Million in Tobacco Settlement Funds To Support Kentucky Farmers

FRANKFORT, Ky. (March 13, 2026) - Today, Gov. Beshear announced that the Kentucky Soil and Water Conservation Commission has selected 305 projects in 73 counties to receive more than $3.7 million in tobacco settlement funds, helping Kentucky farmers improve the health and productivity of their farmland.

"Our farmers help produce the goods we rely on each day and drive of our economy, so when they succeed, Team Kentucky succeeds," said Gov. Beshear. "These funds will help address needs on farms across our commonwealth and boost productivity in the process."

Projects may include installing livestock waterers, fencing or grassed waterways, establishing rotational grazing, planting cover crops and more.

"I'm proud we can direct these funds to so many impactful projects on farms across the Commonwealth," Secretary of Kentucky's Energy and Environment Cabinet Rebecca Goodman said. "By awarding aid now, we're planting the seeds for a more sustainable Kentucky for generations to come."

Tobacco Master Settlement funds are appropriated each year to support the State Cost Share Program. Funds are distributed with the assistance of the Soil and Water Conservation Commission and the 121 conservation districts across Kentucky which work with local farmers to verify and submit proposed projects for consideration. Award recipients have two years to complete the project.  In the past 31 years, more than $187 million has been provided through the program.

"This funding is critical to farmers in the Commonwealth to help conserve our state's natural resources," said Jay Nelson, director of the Kentucky Division of Conservation. "In turn, when a farm has a solid resource base, profitability is higher, and it's a win-win scenario."

For more information about the State Cost Share program, visit https://eec.ky.gov/Natural-Resources/Conservation/Pages/State-Cost-Share.aspx.

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