Jeff Helms
(334) 613-4212

Farmers impacted by Hurricane Michael may apply for grants from the Alabama Farmers Agriculture Foundation (AFAF) through Jan. 31.

Foundation Chairman Jimmy Parnell said the nonprofit will disperse almost $200,000 donated by individuals, county Federations and agribusinesses following the disastrous storm.

“We have been overwhelmed with the generosity shown to Alabama farmers in the wake of Hurricane Michael,” Parnell said. “The Foundation established the Alabama Farmers Hurricane Relief Fund in response to people asking how they could help. We will now use an application process to make sure every dollar goes directly to a farmer in need.”

Parnell said funds will be targeted toward farmer losses not covered by a farmowner policy, crop insurance or disaster relief programs. The online application gives farmers an opportunity to describe losses to crops, buildings, timber and fencing.

A committee will evaluate the applications and distribute funds based on the extent of non-covered losses.

Major donors to the Hurricane Relief Fund included Bayer Crop Science, Alabama Farm Credit, Alabama Ag Credit, CNY Community Foundation Inc., and about a dozen county Farmers Federations.

Farmers are encouraged to apply online at AlabamaFarmersFoundation.org. For more information, contact Brian Hardin at bhardin@alfafarmers.org or (334) 613-4217.

Alabama Farmers Agriculture Foundation is 501(c)(3) nonprofit created to support and advance agriculture in the state of Alabama through education and research; increase awareness of agriculture in Alabama through public programs and activities; improve and expand agricultural services and products for the benefit of all citizens; and to establish and maintain high standards in agriculture. It is supported, in part, by sales of the Farming Feeds Alabama car tags.