In addition to its Century and Heritage Farm Program, the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (ADAI) has launched a program to recognize farms owned by one family for at least 200 years. Applications are due Aug. 25.

The Bicentennial Farm Program, organized in honor of the state’s official bicentennial Dec. 14, 2019, is administered similarly to the Alabama Century and Heritage Farm Program. Applicants will complete an Ownership Registration Form tracing the family lineage of property ownership and describing the farm’s agricultural activities.

The application requests photos of standing structures 40 years old or older. Structures are not required to qualify for this program.

Century and Heritage Farm Programs applications are also available. A Century Farm 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 has 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 be at least 40 acres of land owned and operated by the applicant, who must reside in Alabama.

Over 600 farms have been recognized as Century or Heritage Farms across the state. For more information or an application, contact Amy Belcher at amy.belcher@agi.alabama.gov or (334) 240-7126

Applications are also available under the “Forms” tab at agi.alabama.gov.