MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Governor Kay Ivey on Wednesday awarded $26 million of the Coronavirus Relief Fund for the Alabama Agriculture Stabilization Program- for farmers, ranchers and agricultural operations hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Agriculture has an economic impact of over $70 billion in the state of Alabama. I know firsthand how hard our farmers work each day, and they are without a doubt a major part of who we are in Alabama,” Ivey said. “Due to COVID-19, numerous farms and processing facilities have struggled to remain open and sell their products. Establishing the Alabama Agriculture Stabilization Program is not only the right thing to do to protect our farmers, but it also key to stabilizing Alabama’s economy.”
“We appreciate Gov. Ivey and Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries Rick Pate working with our members and other stakeholders to assess losses resulting from market disruption and identify urgent needs for stabilizing Alabama’s agricultural economy,” said Alabama Farmers Federation President Jimmy Parnell. “The Federation’s staff, county leaders and state commodity committees were instrumental in developing a plan that addresses farmers’ immediate needs while strengthening agricultural infrastructure for the future.”
The Alabama Agricultural Stabilization Program package includes:
• Direct Payment Business Stabilization Grants to Cattle Producers — $10.5 million
• Meat Processing Plant Reimbursement Program — $1.5 million
• Poultry Farmer Stabilization Grant Program — $4 million
• Catfish Processor Reimbursement Program — $500,000
• Fruit & Vegetable Processor Reimbursement Program — $500,000
• State Supplemental Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) Grants — $8 million
• Nursery Grower Reimbursement Program — $1 million
The Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (ADAI) will administer assistance programs for farmers and agribusinesses. Application information and deadlines will be announced by the department soon. Relief payments will be issued through the Alabama Department of Revenue. Registration with the State of Alabama Accounting and Resource System (STAARS) may be required for eligible producers and processors to receive payment.
“I want to thank Governor Ivey for her continued support of Alabama agriculture and for providing much needed assistance to farmers and processors adversely effected by COVID-19,” Pate said. “Because of these men and women, our food supply chain is safe, abundant and sustainable. This program was a collaborative effort between our department and the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association, Alabama Farmers Federation, Alabama Poultry & Egg Association, Alabama Agribusiness Council, and other agriculture stakeholders.”
“We will continue to work closely with Commissioner Pate and the Department of Revenue to provide details on how to apply for assistance as soon as they become available,” Parnell said. “Gov. Ivey and the commissioner are committed to making this process as fast and simple as possible for our farmers.”
The Alabama agricultural assistance package is made possible by the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, which provided the state more than $1.8 billion to offset public and private costs associated with the pandemic.
The Federation was joined by the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association, Alabama Poultry & Egg Association, Alabama Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association, Alabama Agribusiness Council, and numerous individuals and businesses in submitting funding requests for the governor’s consideration.
