Agribusiness Gets $26 Million In Funding

The Alabama Agricultural Stabilization Program was approved for state agribusiness on August 12. Following funding requests from state industry organizations, individuals and businesses, Governor Kay Ivey earmarked $26 million for farmers, ranchers and agricultural operations affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Its funding was made possible by the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act and includes $10.5 million to cattle producers, $4 million to poultry farmers, $1.5 million to meat processing plants, $1 million to nursery growers, and $500,000 each to catfish processors and fruit and vegetable processors. The Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries will administer the assistance programs and is to provide application and information deadlines soon. Registration with the State of Alabama Accounting and Resource System may be required for eligible producers and processors to receive payment.