Tuesday, December 6, 2016

Governor announces grant to aid small farmers in northwest Alabama

MONTGOMERY— Gov. Robert Bentley has announced a $30,477 grant to improve the sustainability of small farms in northwest Alabama and provide fresh foods to buyers.  
Funds from the Appalachian Regional Commission will be used to construct and demonstrate the advantage of cool-storage trailers in transporting agricultural crops and livestock to farmers in Winston, Franklin and Marion counties. The appropriation is part of a continuing project by the Northwest Alabama Resource Conservation and Development Council to assist farmers throughout northwest Alabama.
“Farmers and small businesses are essential to a healthy Alabama economy,” Bentley said. “This grant is vital in providing small farmers with an additional means to compete and succeed, and it is another way in which farms can provide buyers with fresh, nutritious food.”
Two refrigerated trailers will be constructed to assist 20 farmers in the three counties. Several teaching demonstrations will also be conducted to show farmers and buyers the advantage of harvesting and delivering farm-fresh products. The farmers will be able to use the trailers at no cost to deliver their goods to markets.
The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs manages the ARC program in Alabama.
“Agribusiness is a top industry in Alabama, and this cooperative effort is a formula that helps us respond to community needs and supporting local and state economies,” ADECA Director Jim Byard Jr. said. “ADECA has strong partnerships with agriculture, and I am pleased to see this grant awarded to benefit farmers in Winston, Franklin and Marion counties.”
ARC is an economic development agency of the federal government and 13 state governments. The agency’s mission is to innovate, partner, and invest to build community capacity and strengthen economic growth in Appalachia to help the Region achieve socioeconomic parity with the nation.
ADECA manages a range of programs that support law enforcement, economic development, recreation, energy conservation and water resource management.  

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