USDA and Alabama Commissioner of Agriculture Rick Pate Announce Award of $5.9 Million to Projects that Strengthen Food Supply Chain Infrastructure
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) today announced it has partnered with Alabama to award $5.9 million for six projects through the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure (RFSI) program to build resilience across the middle of the supply chain and strengthen local and regional food systems. "Since the COVID-19 pandemic, prioritizing this project has been essential for Alabama. Before its official launch, I reached out to USDA to emphasize Alabama's need for funding to strengthen... read more ❯
Alabama Farmers Helping Farmers Affected by Hurricane Helene
Montgomery, Ala. - The Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (ADAI) is working to assist farmers who suffered catastrophic losses caused by Hurricane Helene. Torrential rains, exceeding many rainfall records, devasted crops, livestock operations and infrastructure. “We know it will take a long time for these farmers to recover,” said Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries Rick Pate. “Alabama farmers have proven their generosity and willingness to help in the past. We encourage them to reach out to one of these relief... read more ❯
Livestock Shelters Open in Alabama in Preparation for Tropical Storm Helene
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – In response to Tropical Storm Helene, forecasted to intensify into a major hurricane, the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (ADAI) has been in contact with our partners to provide temporary sheltering facilities for evacuated livestock including horses and cattle. Animals moving in response to Tropical Storm Helene will be exempt from a certificate of veterinary inspection.
The Garrett Coliseum located at 1295 Coliseum Blvd, Montgomery, AL 36107 will open effective immediately and will be taking in horses... read more ❯
Specialty Crop Block Grant Program Projects Announced
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – USDA has awarded the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (ADAI) $495,000 to fund projects that strengthen Alabama’s specialty crop industry through the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP). The program will fund 12 projects to enhance competitiveness of specialty crop growers by using marketing, education and research for Alabama’s specialty crop industry. “Since I became Commissioner in 2019, the specialty crop industry including fruits, vegetables, tree nuts and nursery crops has grown tremendously,” said Alabama Commissioner of... read more ❯
ADAI Confirms Two Positive Cases of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) in Horses in Alabama
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – The Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (ADAI) confirms two positive cases of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) detected in horses in Covington and Mobile counties. EEE is a mosquito-transmitted disease that is more severe than West Nile Virus (WNV). The mortality rate in horses from WNV is reported at around 30 percent, while the rate for EEE is almost 90 percent. Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries Rick Pate strongly advises horse owners to vaccinate for EEE and WNV. These... read more ❯
Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries Issues Biosecurity Measures for Livestock Shows
MONTGOMERY, Ala. - Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (ADAI) is issuing guidelines to protect animal health in response to the detection of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in dairy cattle in 12 twelve states. Since livestock shows held in conjunction with fairs across Alabama will be starting soon, attendees should abide by these guidelines. “We know livestock shows are the highlight of fairs across the state and it is a top priority to ensure the health of livestock and their... read more ❯
ADAI is Accepting Century & Heritage Farm and Bicentennial Farm Applications
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – The Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (ADAI) is accepting applications for their annual Century & Heritage (C & H) Farm and Bicentennial Farm programs until Friday, August 23, 2024. ADAI created these programs to help recognize and celebrate family farms that have significantly impacted Alabama history and agriculture. A Century Farm is one that has been in the same family continuously for at least 100 years and currently has agricultural activities on the farm. The farm must... read more ❯
Africanized Honeybees Detected in Alabama
MONTGOMERY, Ala. - The Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (ADAI) has confirmed the presence of Africanized Honeybees (AHB) in Jackson and St. Clair Counties. Both finds were feral swarms collected by local beekeepers and have been euthanized to protect Alabama’s honeybees.
ADAI is taking swift action to mitigate any risks associated with these invasive bees. Traps are being set up within a five-mile radius of the detection sites to capture and identify any further presence of AHB. This proactive measure... read more ❯
Alabama Agricultural Development Authority Reopening Applications for the Alabama Meat Processing Program
MONTGOMERY, Ala. - The Alabama Agricultural Development Authority (AADA) is opening applications for a second round under the Alabama Meat Processing Program (AMPP). This program is a result of a $15 million award from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) through the Meat and Poultry Intermediary Lending Program (MPILP) to the AADA. Applications for Phase II are open now and will close June 14, 2024. The low interest loans are intended to support meat and poultry slaughter and processing businesses... read more ❯
ADAI Hosts Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for New Pesticide Residue and State Chemical Labs
MONTGOMERY, Ala. — The Alabama Department of Agriculture & Industries (ADAI) is proud to announce the opening of its newly constructed Pesticide Residue and State Chemical Labs in Auburn, Ala. Commissioner of Agriculture & Industries Rick Pate, Governor Kay Ivey, Auburn University President Christopher Roberts, members of the Alabama legislature and local officials cut the ribbon on the building.This ribbon cutting ceremony represents a significant milestone for ADAI as it unveils these state-of-the-art laboratories equipped with the latest technology and... read more ❯