By Amy Belcher

The Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (ADAI) is accepting applications for the annual Century and Heritage (C&H) Farm and Bicentennial Farm programs. The programs recognize family farms that have played a significant role in Alabama’s history. Applications and the ownership registration form deadline is Aug. 30.

A Century Farm is one that’s been in the same family continuously for at least 100 years and has current agricultural activities. It must include at least 40 acres of land and be owned by the applicant or nominee.

A Heritage Farm is one that’s been operated continuously as a family farm for at least 100 years. It must possess interesting and important historical and agricultural aspects, including one or more structures at least 40 years old. The farm must include at least 40 acres of land owned and operated by the applicant, who must reside in Alabama.

To date, over 650 farms across the state have been recognized by the C&H Farm program.

The ADAI also is accepting applications for the Bicentennial Farm program. Alabama will officially observe its 200^th birthday Dec. 14. The Bicentennial Farm program honors family farms that have remained in the same family for 200 years and is administered similarly to the C&H Farm program. To date, only eight farms in the state have been recognized by this program.

A Bicentennial Farm must currently have some agricultural activities, be at least 40 acres and owned by an Alabama resident. Applicants for the program are required to complete a registration form tracing family lineage of property ownership and a description of agricultural activities. The application also requests photos 40 years old older of any structures that remain on the property. However, structures are not required to qualify for the program.

For applications and information, contact Amy Belcher at (334) 240-7126 or email amy.belcher@agi.alabama.gov. Click here for application forms.