KY HB197

Establishes the Healthy Soils Program within the Division of Conservation to promote healthy soil practices among Kentucky's urban and rural farmers, including technical assistance, soil health assessments, and development of soil health plans

Creates the Healthy Soils Program fund in the State Treasury to finance grants, loans, and financial incentives for local governments, schools, and public/private entities, with priority given to veteran, beginning, and socially disadvantaged farmers

Defines "healthy soil practices" as USDA-supported agricultural practices including using plant diversity, managing soils with less disturbance, keeping plants growing year-round, and maintaining soil cover

Adds a new committee on healthy soil practices to the Agriculture Water Quality Authority and expands authority membership to include organic agriculture organizations

Amends conservation district purposes to explicitly include soil and watershed health protection and restoration, and assistance to agricultural producers with soil health assessments and plans