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 ❯
Alabama to Texas Hay Relief Effort Update
MONTGOMERY, Ala. - Two weeks ago, the Alabama Department of Agriculture & Industries (ADAI) launched an effort to provide hay for Texas cattle producers who suffered catastrophic losses from the recent wildfires in the Texas panhandle. ADAI partnered with the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association (ACA) and the Alabama Trucking Association (ATA) to help gather and transport hay for cattlemen in Texas. “The response and generosity from Alabama farmers has been overwhelming,” said Alabama Commissioner of Agriculture & Industries Rick Pate. “Five truckloads... read more ❯
Alabama Launches Texas Hay Relief Effort
MONTGOMERY, Ala. - The Alabama Department of Agriculture & Industries (ADAI) is leading an effort to provide hay for Texas cattle producers who have suffered catastrophic losses due to the recent wildfires in the Texas panhandle. ADAI is partnering with the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association (ACA) and the Alabama Trucking Association (ATA) to help our fellow cattlemen in Texas who are in desperate need of resources. Just one of the fires, the Smokehouse Creek Wildfire, is the largest recorded in Texas, the... read more ❯
Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Benefit Cards Available for Seniors
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – The Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) is a federally funded program administered by the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries’ Farmers Market Authority Section. The SFMNP provides eligible seniors with a $50 benefit card to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables from certified farmers at farmers markets and farm stands in the State of Alabama. “The SFMNP card allows senior citizens to purchase more local products. I want to encourage those who are eligible to apply and begin... read more ❯
USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant Program Applications Being Accepted
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – The Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (ADAI) is accepting grant applications for projects that enhance the competitiveness of U.S. specialty crops in foreign and domestic markets. The application deadline for these specialty crop block grants through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is March 15, 2024, 5:00 p.m. CST. Specialty crops are defined by USDA as fruits and vegetables, dried fruit, tree nuts, horticulture (including maple syrup and honey) and nursery crops (including floriculture). Commodity groups, agricultural... read more ❯