House Bill 599 Alabama 2026 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Laura HallRepresentative

Democrat

Session

2026 Regular Session

Title

Agriculture value chains; grants, funds, training by Agriculture Department for value chain infrastructure required

Summary

HB599 would create a Farm-to-Market Value Chain Development program in Alabama to fund grants, training, and loans for value chain infrastructure for farmers and cooperatives.

What This Bill Does

The Department of Agriculture and Industries would run grants to help eligible producers install value chain infrastructure such as cold storage, processing equipment, and packaging tools, plus provide training in business, compliance, and online sales. It would also offer matching funds to help launch new sales, join farmers markets or procurement programs, and support branding and marketing. The bill also funds planning and construction grants for regional food hubs, shared-use kitchens, and distribution centers, and creates a revolving loan program to invest in value chain infrastructure.

Who It Affects

• Eligible producers (farmers, ranchers, and agricultural cooperatives) who would receive grants, training, and potential matching funds to grow their value chain activities.
• Nonprofits, local governments, and cooperatives that could obtain planning and construction grants for regional food hubs, shared-use kitchens, and distribution centers serving local producers.
• The broader Alabama food system and regional markets, which would benefit from improved infrastructure and access to favorable loan financing for equipment, facilities, and transport.

Key Provisions

• Establish grant program for eligible producers covering cold storage/refrigeration, small-scale value-added processing equipment, and packing/washing stations; grants up to $50,000 per applicant with at least 25% cost share.
• Provide training/assistance in business development, regulatory compliance/food safety certifications, and e-commerce/direct sales strategies; delivered via extension offices or contracted providers.
• Provide matching funds up to $25,000 per project for launching sales to new accounts, participating in farmers markets or procurement programs, and branding/marketing campaigns.
• Provide planning and construction grants to nonprofits, local governments, and cooperatives for regional food hubs, shared-use kitchens, and distribution centers serving local producers; facilities must serve at least five independent producers and meet food safety requirements.
• Establish a revolving loan or loan guarantee fund for capital investment in value chain infrastructure; loans with favorable terms for equipment purchases, facility construction/retrofits, and transport vehicle acquisition.
• Effective date July 1, 2027, and subject to Legislative appropriations.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano-2025-08-07 on Mar 10, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Agriculture & Forestry