Category Archives: Kansas

Government, Jobs, Kansas

Apprenticeships Increase in Kansas

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Governor Kelly Celebrates Nearly 40% Increase in Apprentices Since Creation of Office of Registered Apprenticeship One Year Ago

TOPEKA – Today marks one year since Governor Laura Kelly established the Office of Registered Apprenticeship through Executive Order 22-07. The Office was created to strengthen workforce development and grow the economy by modernizing and expanding apprenticeship opportunities and by building partnerships with educational institutions.

Since Governor Kelly’s executive order, Kansas has made great strides in expanding apprenticeship opportunities: There has been a 37.9% increase in Kansans participating in apprenticeships since September 2022, with nearly 4,400 apprentices in Kansas today. In addition, the Office has expanded the type of occupations in which Kansans can gain experience: 49 new job titles have been added, resulting in a total of 107 occupations in the apprenticeship pipeline.

“Through the Office of Registered Apprenticeship, we are helping Kansans gain the skills they need to get jobs that don’t require a college degree – and we’re developing the workforce needed to attract new businesses to the state,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “Because of our efforts, Kansas continues to lead the nation as the state with the most business investment per capita.”

All Registered Apprenticeship programs must have five core components to be recognized for certification, including on-the-job training, related technical instruction, mentorship, wage progression, and industry-recognized credentials. However, the driving force must be a business or industry willing to support an apprentice to “earn and learn” a career.

“Registered apprenticeship is an increasingly central component of our efforts to build up the Kansas workforce,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “Our purposeful economic development is creating thousands of new opportunities for hard-working Kansans across the state.”

Since the creation of this office, there has been a 38.8% increase in the completion of apprenticeship programs – from 129 program completers in 2022 to 179 in 2023.

“We are executing a targeted plan to expand high-quality registered apprenticeships, and we are showing results across the entire state of Kansas,” said Shonda Anderson, Director of the Kansas Office of Apprenticeship. “Most importantly, we are bridging partnerships with our labor unions, business and industry, local workforce boards, non-profits, higher education, and even cross-departmental partnerships.”

Governor Kelly has also taken other actions to support apprenticeships, including:

  • Governor Kelly signed the Kansas Apprenticeship Act to promote and expand apprenticeships for the most in-demand industries in Kansas through tax credits and grants.
  • U.S. Department of Labor awarded Kansas $6.3 million to “Lead Apprenticeship Results in Kansas.” With this, the Office of Registered Apprenticeships will work with stakeholders to grow teacher educator apprenticeships, inside and outside justice involved apprenticeships, youth apprenticeships, and other programs in Kansas’ most in-demand industries.
  • Kansas was selected to participate in the National Governors Association Center for Best Practices (NGA Center) Policy Academy to Advance Youth Apprenticeship. Through the Policy Academy, Kansas will develop a strategy to expand apprenticeship opportunities to youth ages 16 and older to help them build the skills needed for the modern workforce.
  • The Office of Registered Apprenticeship launched a statewide Teacher Educator Apprenticeship Program, making Kansas home to one of the most innovative teacher-educator apprenticeship programs, allowing para-educators to obtain their bachelor’s degree and gain a Kansas Teaching certificate while being paid to teach in the classroom from day one.
  • The Office is using $4.7 million in grants to expand registered apprenticeships in the care economy, IT sectors, construction, and more.

More information on Kansas Registered Apprenticeships can be found on the Kansas Department of Commerce website.

Government, Kansas

Funding to Create New Child Care/High Speed Internet Awarded Kansas

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Governor Kelly Announces Kansas Awarded $40M to Build Community Multi-Purpose Facilities, Expand Access to Child Care

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly and the Kansas Children’s Cabinet and Trust Fund announced today that Kansas has been awarded $40 million from the U.S. Department of Treasury for a new program, the Capital Projects Fund Accelerator (CPF Accelerator). The program will provide local communities with funding to build or renovate multi-purpose facilities that create new licensed child care slots and provide Kansans access to high-speed internet for digital work, health, and education supports.  

“The Capital Projects Fund Accelerator Grant program is another example of how my administration is finding new ways to expand access to affordable, quality child care and other essential community services,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “This grant opportunity will enable more communities to work with local businesses to meet a pressing need for Kansas families.”

In June 2023, the Kansas Children’s Cabinet and Trust Fund’s Child Care Capacity Accelerator awarded more than $43 million to 52 organizations and partnerships across Kansas. The new CPF Accelerator grant opportunity builds on that momentum by providing prospective grantees a new funding source for the construction, renovation, or rehabilitation of community facilities and other capital improvement for community-driven projects and programs. This funding is the latest effort to support the state’s rapidly growing work in early childhood and boost communities in scaling up their facilities to serve families and children.

“The Capital Projects Fund Accelerator is another exciting chance to invest in the infrastructure needed to increase access to affordable, high-quality childcare as well as a full range of programs and services to help families meet basic needs,” said Melissa Rooker, Executive Director of the Kansas Children’s Cabinet and Trust Fund. “The Kansas Children’s Cabinet is proud to continue our work to champion community-driven solutions to the multi-faceted challenges facing families with young children today.”

The RFP is available here, with two submission deadline options. The first-round application deadline is Oct. 2, 2023, and the second-round deadline is Dec. 18, 2023. The Kansas Children’s Cabinet and Trust Fund encourages applicants to decide which deadline is appropriate for their project as there is no advantage or consequence in applying by either deadline. Applications will be submitted online via the Kansas CommonApp portal.

Kansas was previously awarded $83.5 million from the Capital Projects Fund to build reliable broadband infrastructure and extend high-speed internet to more than 24,500 homes, businesses, schools, health care facilities, and other public institutions in underserved counties across the state. A portion of Kansas’ $40 million award for the CPF Accelerator will be used to assist in the administration of the program. Combined with the Child Care Capacity Accelerator Grant programs, these two funding opportunities will infuse more than $83 million into Kansas’ early childhood care and education sector.

Click here to learn more about the Capital Projects Fund Accelerator.

Government, Kansas

KS Tourism Grants Available

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Governor Kelly Announces $1M Available for Tourism Attraction Development Grants

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly announced today that $1 million in Attraction Development Grants is available from Kansas Tourism, a division of the Kansas Department of Commerce. Attraction Development Grants are designed to assist in the development of sustainable tourism experiences that influence travel decisions and create economic impact, including new jobs, capital investment, revenue, and increased visitation.

“Kansas tourism is an economic driver that highlights the many reasons why our state is the best place in the nation to live, work, and raise a family,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “By investing in our tourism industry, we strengthen our economic growth and Kansas’ placement as a destination state for tourists from around the world.”

A first round of applications is now open with a deadline of October 1, 2023. A second round will open on February 1, 2024. $500,000 will be awarded in each round. Successful grant applications must have an accountable tie to the tourism industry, with funds being used to develop new or enhance existing tourism attractions.

“Investing in the growth and development of our destination-based assets contributes to economic prosperity in communities of all sizes across Kansas,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “Tourism empowers local communities by creating job opportunities and strengthening the overall business landscape.”

Tourism has a total economic impact of $11.2 billion on the state, which includes $7 billion in direct visitor spending on lodging, dining, transportation, and entertainment. Eligible projects for this grant program include new attraction construction, enhancements to an existing attraction, and new or enhanced exhibits that will improve a visitor’s experience.

“By strategically fostering new tourism development, we are inspiring quality vacation experiences for our visitors,” Kansas Tourism Director Bridgette Jobe said. “Visitors spend dollars while in our state, and those dollars provide increased tax revenue, new jobs, and a better quality of life for all.”

For more information on the Attraction Development Grant Program, click here or email Kansas Tourism Grant Program Manager Carrie Doud here.

Funding for Kansas Tourism grants, including the Tourism Marketing Grant, is provided by the Economic Development Initiatives Fund (EDIF) from state lottery proceeds.

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Bourbon County, Fair, K-State Extension, Kansas

Foster, Snyder and Woods Win Purple Ribbons at Kansas State Fair

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Picture Left to Right: Ella Snyder and Tex, Makiah Woods and Sadie, Davina Foster and Paris. Submitted photos.
The Bourbon County 4h Dog Project qualified three members for the 2023 Kansas State Fair Dog Agility Competition.
On September 2 in Hutchinson, KS Ella Snyder with Tex, Makiah Woods with Sadie, and Davina Foster with Paris competed in a field of 45 in the Dog Agility 1 competition.
  All three received purple ribbons with Davina Foster placing 4th with a perfect score of 200.
The Bourbon County 4h Dog Project is assisted by volunteers Zach and Aubry Ross of Ross’s Kennels.
They will be holding try-it days in September or October for current and future 4Hers to come and experience the project along with adults as the club fundraises for equipment.
Dates will be announced soon.
Government, Kansas

KS August Tax Collections Are Below Estimate

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August total tax collections at $640.1 million; 3.7% below the estimate

TOPEKA – The State of Kansas closed August with total tax collections at $640.1 million. That is $24.5 million, or 3.7%, below the estimate. Total tax collections are down 1.9% from August 2022.

Individual income tax collections were $299.3 million. That is $25.7 million, or 7.9% below the estimate, and down 2.6% from August 2022. Corporate income tax collections were $25.1 million, or 25.5%, higher than the estimate and up 62.3% from August 2022.

Combined retail sales and compensating use tax receipts were $292.4 million, which is $5.6 million, or 1.9%, below the estimate and down $10.5 million, or 3.5%, from August 2022.

Click here to view the August 2023 revenue numbers.

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Government, Kansas

Help For Saving Energy and Lowering Monthly Bills

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KCC approves energy efficiency programs for Evergy customers

 

TOPEKA – In a 2 to 1 vote this morning, the Kansas Corporation Commission approved a settlement agreement pertaining to Evergy’s application for a Demand-Side Management (DSM) Portfolio featuring nine energy efficiency programs aimed at helping customers save energy and lower their monthly bills. Today’s decision is not related to Evergy’s pending rate case, which is a separate docket.

Discussions on the Energy Efficiency program application have been ongoing between Evergy, Commission Staff, and other stakeholders since the application was filed in December 2021. Agreement on the program offerings came relatively quickly. However, determining the best way to measure and fund the programs resulted in differing opinions.  Due to KCC staff concerns regarding potential cost, the Commission was presented with two proposals — a full slate of nine programs including PAYS® or a modified, lower cost option featuring only five programs.

The original nine-program offering was approved today with conditions attached to help ensure accurate performance measurements and fiscal accountability while avoiding duplication of funding available under the Inflation Reduction Act.  The approved settlement agreement is expected to have a total bill impact of less than 1-2% to implement and maintain the energy efficiency programs, while producing lower overall costs for customers in the long run. These costs will not appear on customer bills until mid-2025 at the earliest.

Commissioner Dwight Keen filed a dissenting opinion (included in the docket with today’s order) explaining his preference for a cost effective alternative DSM Energy Efficiency proposal that he believes provides substantial benefits to Evergy ratepayers at a significantly lesser cost, and more directly addresses his concerns regarding a possible duplication of incentives contained in the Federal Inflation Reduction Act (IRA).

Today’s order states:

“The Commission’s view of “just and reasonable rates” and “the public interest” is broader than immediate bill impacts. The Commission must evaluate not just the cost of programs, but also what customers are receiving for that cost. Here, customers are gaining access to programs that allow them to better control their energy usage and their bills. The Commission received very positive feedback from the public that they want access to these types of programs.

“While there is ample evidence that the system as a whole will benefit from the KEEIA portfolio, the Commission is also compelled to provide opportunities for low and fixed income customers to control their bills. In the Commission’s view, programs serving these communities make rates more just and reasonable for all. The continued absence of energy efficiency tools for these communities contributes to less just and reasonable rates.”

The order also references the Kansas Energy Efficiency Investment Act (KEEIA) K.S.A. 66-1183, previously passed by the Kansas Legislature.

“Nearly ten years ago, the Kansas Legislature and Governor set State policy promoting the establishment of cost-effective energy efficiency programs. At that time, it became the policy of this State to help utility customers use energy more efficiently and in a manner that sustains or enhances those customers’ incentives to use energy more efficiently. The intent of this Order is to implement the goals of our State’s highest policymakers and ensure those Kansas residents and businesses with the greatest need to control their bills have options available to do so.”

The nine programs approved today include the following:

1) Whole Home Efficiency Program: Provides rebates, discounts, and on-bill financing for HVAC and building envelope measures in single and multifamily residences. It will also provide no cost energy assessments and discounted energy savings kits.

2) Home Energy Education Program: Helps rural and low-income customers use energy more efficiently through marketing, outreach, and education.

3) Home Demand Response Program: Helps customers reduce their energy use during peak demand periods. It also provides opportunities for customers to receive free thermostats and water heater controllers.

4) Hard-to-Reach Homes Program: Provides enhanced incentives, no-cost home upgrades, and no-cost energy assessments and savings kits for low-income and rural customers.

5) Whole Business Efficiency Program: Provides both variable and fixed incentives to help business customers install efficient equipment and building envelope improvements.

6) Business Energy Education Program: Provides tools, resources, and guidance for businesses interested in saving money on energy. The program focuses on small businesses.

7) Business Demand Response Program: Helps business customers decrease their energy usage during periods of peak demand.

8) Hard-to-Reach Businesses Program: Offers enhanced incentives to small businesses and non-profits.

9) Pilot Incubator Program: Creates a pathway to identify and evaluate new DSM program concepts to meet changing customer needs and integrate evolving technologies.

More details and the timeline for implementation will be shared as the programs are developed.

Today’s order is available here. A recording of today’s Business Meeting featuring comments by Commissioners, is available on the KCC YouTube channel.

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Government, Kansas

Birth Certificates in Kansas Must Reflect Biological Sex of the Person

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Kobach statement on Foster v. Stanek order

TOPEKA – (August 31, 2023) – Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach today issued the following statement in response to the Court’s order in Foster v. Stanek:

“The Court’s opinion was well reasoned and thorough. The trans activists in this case attempted to nullify state law. The Court held that SB 180 means what it says – birth certificates in Kansas must reflect biological sex. As long as I am attorney general, the laws of Kansas will be enforced as written. The Legislature decided that birth certificates must reflect biological reality, and they were quite clear in how they wrote the law.  Today’s decision is a rejection of the activists’ and Governor Kelly’s attempt to twist the English language beyond recognition. The Court has told the Governor what the law clearly means. We now expect the Governor to follow the law and cease changing birth certificates to something other than biological sex at birth.”

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Government, Kansas

KS Hunting Regs Summary/Hunting Atlas Available

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Get Your 2023-2024 Kansas Hunting Regulations Summary, Hunting Atlas

PRATT – The wait for Kansas’ top hunting-related publications is over. The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks has confirmed that the state’s 2023-2024 Kansas Hunting and Furharvesting Regulations Summary and 2023-2024 Kansas Hunting Atlas are available now. Both publications are free, available online at ksoutdoors.com, and in print at nearly all license vendor locations. Hunters may also request mailed copies by calling (620) 672-5911.

The hunting regulations summary includes common rules, methods of take, season dates, bag and possession limits, as well as a list of game wardens by county, and more.

The hunting atlas includes maps of all publicly accessible hunting land in Kansas, to include Walk-in Hunting Access areas, state and federal public wildlife areas, and more. And soon, Garmin GPS and Google Earth files will be available for download, making finding a place to hunt even easier.

To access electronic versions of the 2023-2024 Kansas Hunting and Furharvesting Regulations Summary and 2023-2024 Kansas Hunting Atlas, visit ksoutdoors.com or download the Go Outdoors KS mobile app, here.

Whether you decide to keep them on your phone, laptop, or hardcopies in the truck or boat, no hunter in Kansas should be without them.

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Government, Kansas

Health Champion Award Nominees Are Sought

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Governor’s Council on Wellness Opens Nominations for the 2024 Health Champion Award

TOPEKA – Each year, the Governor’s Council on Wellness (previously the Governor’s Council on Fitness) recognizes one exceptional individual and one remarkable organization in Kansas who have shown outstanding dedication to promoting health, fitness and wellness in our communities.

Nominees for the 2024 Health Champion Award can come from diverse backgrounds – from health care professionals and educators to community leaders and volunteers. The award highlights outstanding individuals and organizations who have significantly impacted health awareness, disease prevention and overall well-being within our state.

“We are excited to review this year’s nominations and see all the great work being done throughout our state,” said Jody Hoener, GCOW Awards Committee Chair. “We encourage everyone to nominate the Health Champions in their communities.”

The nomination process is simple and can be completed online. The form requires a brief description of the nominee’s accomplishments and how they have positively influenced their community’s health. It also asks some basic questions about the nominee’s contact information so they can be notified if they receive the award.

The deadline to submit the nomination form is October 31, 2023. The winners will be notified via email, and awards will be announced via a press release in late November.

The awards ceremony will take place on Thursday, January 11, 2024, at the Community Health Promotion Summit that will be held in Wichita at the WSU Woolsey Center.

To access the nomination form, please visit https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CT77RYV.

Business, Fort Scott, Government, Kansas

1.66 Percent Increase Justified to Provide Electricity to Evergy Central Customers. 

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Kansas Corporation Commission Utilities Staff responds to
Evergy’s rate increase proposal in testimony filed this afternoon

TOPEKA – Kansas Corporation Commission Staff has weighed in on Evergy’s request for a rate increase in both of its’ Kansas service areas. In testimony filed with the Commission this afternoon, Staff’s detailed financial audit of the company’s income and expenses determined that an increase of 1.66 percent or $34,706,527 was all that could be justified at this time to provide service to Evergy Central customers.  Staff’s position is in contrast to Evergy’s request for a net revenue increase of $204,152,629 or 9.77 percent.

KCC Staff’s detailed financial audit of Evergy Kansas Metro’s income and expenses determined that a 7.32 percent rate decrease totaling $53,194,189 is appropriate.  This is in contrast to Evergy’s proposed rate increase of 1.95 percent or $14,152,521.

While an important part in the process, these results are far from final at this stage.  Today is the due date for direct testimony to be filed by KCC Staff and all other intervenors in the rate case. The next steps in the process include cross answering testimony, rebuttal testimony from Evergy, a settlement conference to determine if the parties can agree on a resolution to submit for Commission approval, followed by either a settlement hearing or evidentiary hearing before the Commission.  KCC Commissioners will issue a final order in the docket in late December or early January.

Evergy Kansas Central serves 736,000 customers in Topeka, Lawrence, Olathe, Leavenworth, Atchison, Manhattan, Salina, Hutchinson, Emporia, Parsons, Wichita, Arkansas City, El Dorado, Newton, Fort Scott, Pittsburg and Independence, among other towns and rural areas. Evergy Kansas Metro serves approximately 273,000 customers in Lenexa, Overland Park and other communities near the Kansas City metro area.

Testimony filed today is available on the KCC’s website, along with other documents in the rate case.

The Commission is accepting public comments regarding the rate increase request through 5 p.m., September 29, 2023, on its website, by mail to the Commission’s Office at 1500 SW Arrowhead Rd, Topeka, KS 66604-4027 or by calling the KCC’s Office of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at 785-271-3140 or 800-662-0027.

Area News, Government, Kansas

Mixed-use Development Project Begins in Johnson County

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Governor Kelly Breaks Ground on $2B Redevelopment in Overland Park


OVERLAND PARK – Governor Laura Kelly joined Curtin Property Company, Johnson County government officials, and business leaders today to celebrate the redevelopment of Brookridge at 103rd Street and Antioch Road in Overland Park. The $2 billion project is one of Kansas’ largest and most ambitious mixed-use developments. In addition to the groundbreaking, there was an unveiling of the property’s new name – Meridian.

“Economic development projects like Meridian are key to making Kansas a place where more young people want to put down roots and build their futures,” Governor Kelly said. “I want to thank our local, private sector, and nonprofit partners who all worked hand-in-hand with my administration to unlock more opportunities for Kansans.”

The first development phase includes infrastructure work, two mixed-use residential/retail buildings, a grocery store, retail and restaurants, and usable green space.

The project is the recipient of $10 million in grant funding from the Kansas Department of Commerce’s Building a Stronger Economy program. In addition, an $8 million grant from the Kansas Department of Transportation’s Economic Development Program was awarded to prepare roads, sewer drainage, and other infrastructure. Completion of the infrastructure and utility work is expected in fall 2024.

“The opportunity to celebrate breaking ground and unveiling our vision for Meridian marks a special milestone in the evolution of this project,” said Chris Curtin, founder of Curtin Property Company. “Our team is proud to be bringing this innovative mixed-use development to Johnson County and looks forward to being a vibrant part of the region.”

The development will feature 4.8 million square feet of office capacity, high-quality urban living spaces with 2,000 apartments, two hotels, and extensive retail, restaurant, and entertainment venues. The 200-acre property will focus on health and wellness, including more than 100 acres of usable green space featuring fountains, recreational golf, fitness facilities, walking paths, connections to hiking and biking trails, and forested and open lawns.

“Current residents are attracted to Overland Park because of the sense of community our neighborhoods provide. Future residents will be attracted for the same reason,” said Overland Park Mayor Curt Skoog. “I look forward to experiencing that community feeling at Meridian, a place to live, work, and play – all just a walk away from one another. I’m happy to be with the Meridian team this week to celebrate the beginning of this type of development and the economic impact it will bring to Overland Park and the surrounding neighborhoods.”

Meridian is anticipated to accommodate more than 16,000 jobs in the office and retail spaces.

Photos from the event for media use can be found below.

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Government, Kansas

2023 Specialty Crop Block Grants Awarded 

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MANHATTAN, Kansas — The Kansas Department of Agriculture has been awarded $328,330.06 through the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. Funds for the program are presented by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Marketing Service to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops. According to the USDA, specialty crops are defined as “fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture and nursery crops, including floriculture.” Through a competitive application process, KDA has selected recipients to further utilize the funds.

The following is a list of Kansas projects that will be funded by the grant.

  • Montgomery County Farm of the Future (Montgomery County) — Coffeyville Public Schools will increase their students’ knowledge of specialty crop production by placing an indoor farm classroom at the high school. Students will learn agriculture, plant science, nutrition, business marketing, and food preparation skills. This classroom will be managed by high school students and will produce leafy green vegetables to be served in their district’s cafeterias.
  • Expanding Fruit Production Among Small Scale Beginning Farmers in Kansas City, Kansas (Wyandotte County) — Cultivate KC will increase the variety, diversity, and resiliency of specialty crops grown and sold in Kansas City by providing education, training, and resources to refugee families starting their own small farm businesses through the New Roots for Refugees Program. This project will provide training, technical assistance, and resources to plant a fruit demonstration plot at the program’s training farm site and to support current farmers and recent graduates in adding blackberries, raspberries, and strawberries to their farm production.
  • Specialty Crop Video Series Highlighting Unique Specialty Crops in Kansas (Statewide) — From the Land of Kansas and Kansas Tourism will partner with a local marketing entity to create a video series to spread awareness of and excitement for Kansas specialty crops and the unique on-farm experiences they provide throughout the state. The video series will grow consumers’ interest in local specialty crops and the experiences they offer and educate them on how to access and consume those specialty crops in our state.
  • Exploring Mung bean Production in Kansas (Statewide) – Kansas State University will establish baseline recommendations for mung bean production and assess the crop’s adaptability to different environments across Kansas. Mung beans are a warm season crop with a short duration and a high degree of tolerance to heat and water scarcity, making this option very attractive to farmers and useful to sustain the state’s finite water natural resources.
  • Continued Safety for Produce Growers: Worker Protection Standard Training and GAPs Certification Funding and Outreach (Statewide) — Kansas State University will help Kansas specialty crop producers receive training and certification as U.S. Environmental Protection Agency-recognized Worker Protection Standard pesticide safety train-the-trainers so that they can train the workers on their farm. They will also help Kansas fruit and vegetable producers earn Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) certification during the project, which will help growers access new markets which require that certification. This will help improve worker safety, produce safety, and the profitability of Kansas specialty crop producers.
  • Cultivate Maize: Growing Toward Educating Future Farmers with Sustainable School Meals Through School Gardens (Sedgwick County) — Maize USD 266 will provide its 7,590 students, grades preschool through twelfth grade, with hands-on opportunities to plant, maintain, harvest, and consume produce from sustainable hydro gardens, all while never leaving their school buildings. Maize USD 266 Food Service will facilitate the project to provide school gardens for educators at 13 of their school buildings to use as a teaching tool to connect the learning goals of a variety of disciplines while exposing their students to becoming farmers and tasting sustainable specialty crops through school meals.

For more information, visit KDA’s Specialty Crop Block Grant webpage at agriculture.ks.gov/SpecialtyCropBlockGrant.

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2023 Specialty Crop Block Grants Awarded.pdf