The Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (ADAI) is accepting applications for the annual Century and Heritage (C & H) Farm and Bicentennial Farm programs until Aug. 28. The programs recognize family farms that have played a significant role in Alabama’s history. 

A Century Farm has been in the same family continuously for at least 100 years and currently has agricultural activities. The farm must include at least 40 acres of land and be owned by the applicant or nominee. A Heritage Farm 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.

To date, almost 700 farms have been recognized by the C & H Farm program. The ADAI also is accepting Bicentennial Farm program applications. On Dec. 14, Alabama observed its 200th birthday. Agriculture is an integral part of the state’s history, and this program aims to recognize families who have demonstrated love for the land through multiple generations.

The Bicentennial Farm program honors family farms that have remained in the same family for 200 years. To date, eight farms have been recognized. A Bicentennial Farm must currently have agricultural activities, be at least 40 acres in size and owned by an Alabama resident.

Applicants for the program are required to complete a registration form that traces the family property ownership and includes a description of agricultural activities over the years. The application requests photos be included of structures on the property that are at least 40 years old. However, structures aren’t required to qualify for the program.

Applicants for the 2020 C & H Farm program or 2020 Bicentennial Farm program should contact Amy Belcher at (334) 240-7126 or amy.belcher@agi.alabama.gov.

Copies of both applications are available on the department’s website agi.alabama.gov under “Forms.”