Monticello has earned a place in Kentucky history as one of the first six communities selected for the inaugural Kentucky Proud Certified Cities program, a new initiative designed to strengthen the connection between local governments, consumers, and Kentucky agriculture.
The program, created through a partnership between the Kentucky Department of Agriculture’s Kentucky Proud program and the Kentucky League of Cities, recognizes municipalities that actively support farmers, agricultural businesses, local food systems, and agriculture-focused community development.
Among the six pilot cities chosen from across the Commonwealth, Monticello received a bronze certification, joining Winchester, Beaver Dam, Paducah, Middlesboro, and Newport in launching the first-of-its-kind program. Winchester earned the state’s first gold certification, while Beaver Dam and Paducah received silver designations.
For Monticello, the recognition reflects something residents have long known: agriculture remains a vital part of Wayne County’s identity and economy. From family farms and livestock operations to farmers markets and locally grown products, agriculture continues to play a major role in supporting local jobs and preserving the community’s rural heritage.
According to the Kentucky Department of Agriculture, the certification program evaluates communities on their efforts to integrate agriculture into everyday life through schools, businesses, healthcare facilities, community events, outreach programs, and local policies that support agricultural growth.
Agriculture Commissioner Jonathan Shell said cities that make a special effort to create agricultural connections for residents deserve recognition, noting that consumer support for Kentucky-grown products creates demand that benefits farmers and agritourism operations across the state.
The Kentucky Proud Certified Cities program is intended to showcase how agriculture extends beyond the farm gate and impacts restaurants, schools, businesses, neighborhoods, and community events. State leaders say the goal is to help cities strengthen local food systems while creating new economic opportunities tied to Kentucky agriculture.
For hometown residents, Monticello’s inclusion among the first certified cities represents more than just a designation. It is recognition of a community that has maintained strong agricultural roots while continuing to promote local producers and rural traditions that have shaped Wayne County for generations.
As the program expands statewide, Monticello will forever be able to claim its place among the pioneering communities that helped launch Kentucky Proud Certified Cities, bringing statewide attention to the important role agriculture plays in the local way of life.