Ag. Commissioner Shell announces new director for Division of Ag. Economic Development

Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner Jonathan Shell has announced a new director for the Kentucky Department of Agriculture’s Division of Ag. Economic Development.

According to a news release, Hunter Jones has been selected to serve in that role—the division is designed to strengthen and expand Kentucky’s agricultural economy through strategic planning, targeted partnerships, and financial incentives.

It will administer programs, such as grants, forgivable loans, and revolving loan funds, to support infrastructure upgrades, market expansion, and value-added agricultural development. The overall goal is to attract private investment, create new economic opportunities, and uplift farming communities throughout Kentucky.

Jones is a graduate of Eastern Kentucky University and worked within the KDA’s Office of Agriculture Policy for two years before this.