MONTGOMERY, Ala. – The Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries’ (ADAI) Commissioner Rick Pate and ADAI staff presented two checks, totaling $1.3 million, to two Alabama farms through ADAI’s Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure (RFSI) Program. Through the USDA RFSI funds, Boozer Farms and J. Durbin Farms will be able to continue their efforts to strengthen Alabama’s local food supply and reduce waste in the state’s agricultural system.
Boozer Farms was awarded around $719,000, and J. Durbin Farms received around $644,000. They are taking innovative steps to reduce waste and promote sustainability in Alabama agriculture. The farms plan to enhance the handling and preservation of “Section 2” fruits, which is produce that may not meet cosmetic standards but remains good for use. Through infrastructure improvements and new processing opportunities, Boozer Farms and J. Durbin Farms will transform surplus or imperfect fruits into value-added products. This initiative not only prevents waste but also strengthens the resilience and sustainability of Alabama’s farming community.
“The RFSI program is a game-changer for Alabama agriculture. It’s providing our farmers the tools they need to innovate, reduce waste and add value to their products, especially in rural communities,” said Commissioner Rick Pate. “Investing in local infrastructure strengthens our food supply chain, while also helping Alabama farmers build a more sustainable and profitable future.”
Boozer Farms is a family-owned farm located in Thorsby, Ala., known for growing a wide variety of high-quality fruits and vegetables, including peaches, strawberries and peppers. Founded by a first-generation farmer who turned a summer job selling peaches into a full-time passion, the farm emphasizes sustainable practices and community connection, offering fresh, locally grown produce through farmers markets and Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) programs. In addition to fresh produce, Boozer Farms also creates value-added products like jams, jellies, and sauces to reduce waste and extend the harvest.
- Durbin Farms is a family-owned farm in Clanton, Ala., best known for its fresh Chilton County peaches. The peaches are sold at local retail stores such as Walmart, Publix and the Peach Park. J. Durbin Farms also prides itself on their U-Pick strawberry farm, which hosts farm tours for local schools in the spring.
For more information about the RFSI program visit, agi.alabama.gov/rfsip/ or email rfsip@agi.alabama.gov