The Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (ADAI) reminds landowners across the state it is still accepting applications for the annual Century and Heritage (C & H) Farm and Bicentennial Farm programs, but the deadline to apply is Aug. 28. The purpose of both programs is to recognize family farms that have played a significant role in Alabama’s history.
A Century Farm is one that has been in the same family continuously for at least 100 years and currently has agricultural activities on the farm. The farm must include at least 40 acres of land and be owned by the applicant or nominee.
A Heritage Farm is one that has been operated continuously as a family farm for at least 100 years. The farm must possess interesting and important historical and agricultural aspects, including one or more structures at least 40 years old. The farm must also include at least 40 acres of land owned and operated by the applicant, who must reside in Alabama.
The ADAI is also accepting applications for the Bicentennial Farm program. This program honors family farms that have remained in the same family for 200 years. To date, only eight farms in the state have been recognized by this program.
If your farm meets the qualifications for the 2020 C & H Farm program or 2020 Bicentennial Farm program, contact Amy Belcher at 334-240-7126 or by email amy.belcher@agi.alabama.gov to receive an application. They are also available on the department’s website, www.agi.alabama.gov under the “Forms” tab.
But all applicants must complete the appropriate Ownership Registration Form and return it to the ADAI by August 28, 2020.