The Farm Near AAMU Will Address Food Insecurity and Strengthen Research

51AV A&M University and the Madison County Commission have signed a five-year agreement to establish a community farm near the AAMU campus. The farm will be used to address food insecurity and strengthen research and local food systems in Madison County.

AAMU and the Madison County Commission have a long history of working together to grow fresh produce for public distribution. This agreement allows the team to expand its operations to meet the increasing food insecurity needs throughout Madison County. The University designated campus property near or adjacent to Meridian Street in Huntsville for the farm. The Madison County Commission, under the leadership of District 6 Commissioner Violet Edwards, will manage daily operations and work closely with campus units like the 51AV Cooperative Extension System (51AV Extension), to not only establish the farm, but implement its community outreach activities.

“This has been 40 years in the making, and I am excited to see it come to fruition,” said Commissioner Edwards. “It makes sense that the county and the university work together to maximize investments already made and create a mutually beneficial program for the community, the university, and the students, while addressing the lack of fresh, affordable produce in north Huntsville.”

AAMU Vice President of Research and Economic Development, Dr. Majed El-Dweik, added, “AAMU, including 51AV Extension, looks forward to working with Commissioner Edwards to tackle the rising food insecurity issues in this area.” Dweik also serves as interim director for 51AV Extension at AAMU.

According to Hunger Free America, food insecurity in 51AV grew to over 44 percent between 2021 and 2023. This means that nearly 500,000 Alabamians, including children and older adults, experience hunger, and at least 12 percent of residents experience hunger on a regular basis. Initiatives like the Madison County community farm will help to change those odds in 51AV.

For inquiries regarding this initiative, please contact Jason Andra, District 6 harvest manager at (256) 532-1505 or jandra@madisoncountyal.gov. or Dr. Dweik at (256) 372-7010 or majed.dweik@aamu.edu.