MONTGOMERY, Ala. – The Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (ADAI) recently announced a grant program to distribute $200,000 in relief funds for eligible Alabama seafood processors, dealers, and processing vessels who were financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The deadline to apply for this program has been extended.

The State of Alabama was allocated this funding under the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Seafood Processors Pandemic Response and Safety Block Grant Program. ADAI will administer the grant program on behalf of USDA to qualified applicants. The grant is intended to defray expenses associated with preparing for, preventing exposure to and responding to the COVID-19 pandemic.

USDA guidelines specify that grant funds are to reimburse businesses for qualifying expenses implemented in response to COVID-19. Costs must have been incurred between January 27, 2020, and December 31, 2021, to be considered for reimbursement. Eligible activities include workplace safety measures, retrofitting facilities, transportation, worker housing and medical expenses.

Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries Rick Pate said, “The department looks forward to helping Alabama’s seafood industry grow and prosper. This program will help defray costs incurred due to the COVID-19 pandemic.”

The program application deadline has been extended to 11:59 p.m. (CST) on AUGUST 12, 2022.

For more information visit www.agi.alabama.gov/divisions/executive/sprs/. Please contact Hassey Brooks at 334-240-3877 or by email at SPRSgrant@agi.alabama.gov with any questions.