Governor Holds Drought Meeting to Address Agriculture Concerns

MONTGOMERY – The Governor on Wednesday held a drought meeting to continue the dialogue on ways to address and mitigate the impact of extreme drought conditions to Alabama farmers. The following agencies and groups were represented the Alabama Emergency Management Agency, Alabama Department of Agriculture, State Climatologist, Alabama Cattleman’s Association, ALFA and the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs Office of Water Resources.

“In recent weeks, I have been taking a closer look at the different ways the extreme drought is impacting the state,” Governor Bentley said. “Wednesday, I met with state agencies and organizations representing Alabama farmers to hear first-hand how this drought is impacting them and their livestock. Last week, I was in Walker County and I saw how wildfires are affecting the state. Since the first of October, a total of 1,421 wildfires have occurred in Alabama destroying approximately 15,409 acres of land. On Monday I toured Lake Purdy, which is currently down 19-feet and is experiencing its second lowest level in history.”

According to the National Weather Service it has been 53 days since several counties in Alabama experienced a significant amount of rainfall. As of November, 41 counties in Alabama have been designated as primary natural disaster areas and 11 additional counties are classified as contiguous counties by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) because of the recent drought.

“I want to commend Governor Bentley for beginning a dialogue to explore available options for Alabama farmers who are experiencing hardships brought on by severe drought conditions,” Commissioner John McMillan said. “This is a drought of historical proportions and it is impacting virtually every sector of our number one industry, therefore it is important that we work together for the hard working individuals and families who put food on our tables,” added McMillan.

The Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries is also working with the Alabama Department of Transportation to waive permitting fees for transporting hay within Alabama. The modified width and height transporting requirements can be found here.

For information regarding program opportunities offered by USDA-FSS due to losses as a result of the drought click here.

“The meeting yesterday was the first of many meetings with this group as we all work together to overcome this major drought issue in Alabama,” Governor Bentley said. “In a lot of ways this drought is just like a natural disaster and the only way to lessen the long-term effect is through preparation and providing the necessary resources.”

For the latest data on Alabama’s drought conditions from the U.S. Drought Monitor Center you can find that information here.

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