To help the state’s farmers recover from Hurricane Michael’s devastation, the Alabama Farmers Federation has established a relief fund to directly benefit producers.

Federation President Jimmy Parnell, in a press release, thanked the many Alabamians who have expressed support for the hardworking producers affected by the historic hurricane.

“Farmers in south Alabama have received an outpouring of support from neighbors and people across the country,” Parnell said. “Many have asked where they can donate to help farmers who’ve lost their crops and barns, so we have created a special fund within the Alabama Farmers Agriculture Foundation to accept these gifts.”

Donations are tax deductible and may be made online here or by sending checks payable to Alabama Farmers Agriculture Foundation to P.O. Box 11000, Montgomery, AL 36191.

Parnell, in addition to his extensive duties leading Alfa and the Federation, also serves as the foundation president.

“Hurricane Michael devastated crops, homes, barns and livelihoods in the Wiregrass,” Parnell outlined. “Farmers are resilient, but recovery takes time and money. Alabama producers are grateful for financial help from friends and supporters — and covet your thoughts and prayers during the rebuilding process.”

The Farmers Federation is also working with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Alabama Cooperative Extension System, state and national elected officials and others to collect crop damage reports. Alfa Insurance agents and claims adjusters are on the scene helping customers hit by the Category 4 hurricane.

All funds collected by the Foundation through November 30 will be directed toward farmer losses not covered by a farmowner policy, crop insurance or disaster relief programs.

Sean Ross is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @sean_yhn