The Kentucky Department of Agriculture is creating a new position devoted to international trade.
The new position will focus on opening up more international markets to other Kentucky exports like beef, soybeans, and country ham.
Quarles said his office is in the process of creating a new international trade position that will be devoted to expanding Kentucky’s Ag exports. He planned to lead an agriculture trade mission this summer to Canada where 19% of Kentucky’s exports are currently going.
"We're known for our bourbon, tobacco, race horses, and we're also known for Kentucky Fried Chicken. Colonel Sanders is perhaps the best ambassador Kentucky has ever had when it comes to agriculture. We want to leverage that story we have abroad," said Quarles.
Quarles said despite proposed budget cuts, he thinks international trade position will be protected in the budget process.
"Through a series of retirements this past year, as well as a reorganization, I think this is a position that we're going to be able to protect, and I think it's one that has a higher return on investment than perhaps other positions," said Quarles.
Quarles was less optimistic that other department of agriculture programs will survive the budget talks. County fair grants and a program that provides vouchers for senior citizens to use at farmers markets are among 70 programs Governor Bevin has suggested eliminating funding for in the next state budget.
