AgriTech advisory board members named

FRANKFORT, Ky. (WTVQ) – Turning Kentucky into the nation’s Agritech capital will have some experienced voices offering guidance.

“AgriTech is the future of agriculture, and Kentucky is uniquely positioned to embrace and deliver on it,” Gov. Andy Beshear said Wednesday in a statement announcing a new Agritech advisory board. “Being the global leader in the AgriTech industry not only will make Kentucky’s farms more productive and efficient, but also will benefit every citizen and every region of the commonwealth in creating industry and jobs.”

The representatives come from farming, industry, education, labor and civic life.

“The world is looking to Kentucky as a leader in the field, as the building of our controlled environment agriculture facility in Morehead has captivated onlookers from around the globe,” said Jonathan Webb, founder and chief executive officer of AppHarvest and a council member. “As one of the world’s largest structures, it’s creating a forward-thinking economy that’s focused on improving nutrition, using less of our precious natural resources and creating better, high-paying jobs. This task force provides the support of government and universities that is essential to creating the robust ecosystem we need to transform American agriculture.”

“I am ready to get to work for rural Kentucky as a voice for Kentuckys farm families struggling with internet access. Farming is Kentucky’s future, and we need to expand rural broadband and ensure advancing technology reaches our rural communities, to help grow farm income, jobs and the next generation of farmers,” said Woodford County Judge-Executive James Kay said. “Woodford County is working on many of the challenges facing our farmers and cattlemen.”

Beshear will chair the AgriTech Advisory Council. The initial members include:

• Dr. Ryan Quarles, Kentucky Commissioner of Agriculture;
• Warren Beeler, executive director of the Governors Office of Agriculture Policy;
• Dr. Aaron Thompson, President of the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education;
• Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman, Secretary of the Kentucky Education and Workforce Development Cabinet;
• Mike Berry, Secretary of the Kentucky Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet;
• Larry Hayes, interim Secretary of the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development;
• Rebecca Goodman, Secretary of the Kentucky Energy and Environmental Cabinet;
• Dr. Eli Capilouto, President of the University of Kentucky;
• Dr. Robert L. (Bob) Jackson, President of Murray State University;
• Dr. M. Christopher Brown II, President of Kentucky State University;
• Linda Gorton, Mayor of the Lexington-Fayette County Urban Government;
• Laura White-Brown, Mayor of the City of Morehead;
• Mason Barnes, Simpson County Judge Executive;
• James Kay, Woodford County Judge Executive;
• Ashli Watts, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce;
• Bill Finn, State Director of the Kentucky State Building and Construction Trades Council, representing Kentucky labor and trade;
• Eric Gregory, President of the Kentucky Distillers Association, representing Kentucky labor and trade;
• Dr. Mark Lyons, President and Chief Executive Officer of Alltech, representing Kentucky businesses related to agriculture and agricultural technology;
• Jonathan Webb, founder and Chief Executive Officer of AppHarvest, representing Kentucky businesses related to agriculture and agricultural technology;
• Dr. Shubin Saha, Chief Operating Officer of Kentucky Fresh Harvest, representing Kentucky businesses related to agriculture and agricultural technology; and
• Trevor Claiborn, co-founder of Black Soil, representing Kentucky businesses related to agriculture and agricultural technology.

Last week, Beshear signed an international agreement with 16 other partner organizations, including the Dutch government, to grow Kentucky’s AgriTech footprint. The governor has established the AgriTech Advisory Council to guide the commonwealth’s increased focus on this industry, which will expand the state’s economy and create jobs for Kentuckians.

The Governor also announced the launch of a new website dedicated to the emerging industry: Kentucky AgriTech.