A history of supporting farmers
Since 1936, AFC has been dedicated to helping farmers succeed. Our history is marked by significant milestones in growth and innovation.
FROM HUMBLE BEGINNINGS
Alabama Farmers Cooperative, originally the Tennessee Valley Fertilizer Cooperative, was organized in Decatur, Alabama in 1936 by a group of 11 local farmers Co-ops to satisfy the farmers’ need for fairly priced fertilizer.
Expansion and Growth
By the 1940s, the Co-op began making feed for local cattle and hog farmers. By the 1950s, they were selling tires, lubricants and tools. In 1957, in order to provide a more direct and ready market for farmers’ grain, AFC added a grain marketing service.
Addition of Merchandising Function
In 1961, AFC added a merchandising function to its operations. With the purchase of Farmers Marketing and Exchange Stores, customers could now buy home gardening items, automotive products, hardware and other home needs.
Acquisition OF BONNIE PLANTS
Bonnie Plants, LLC., headquartered in Opelika, AL, became part of AFC.
Creation of Cooperative Financial Services
AFC created a financing subsidiary to finance the local cooperative members. Cooperative Financial Services provides financing for farmers and AFC member cooperatives’ seasonal and long-term financing needs.
Acquisition of Frank Currie Gin
Frank Currie Gin, located in McCullough, AL, became part of AFC and serves cotton farmers in South Alabama.
Formation of SouthFresh Aquaculture, LLC
AFC joined forces with SouthFresh Farms in Indianola, Mississippi, to form SouthFresh Aquaculture. Today, SouthFresh provides seafood products to retailers across the US and feed products to customers across the globe.
Agri-AFC, LLC Joint Venture with WinField United
AFC embarked on its earliest joint venture in 2003, forming Agri-AFC with WinField United, a subsidiary of Land O’ Lakes. Agri-AFC supplied agronomy products, including seeds, crop nutrients and crop protection throughout Alabama, with additional locations in Georgia, Mississippi and Florida.
AFC FEED, LLC Joint Venture with PURINA
AFC Feed, LLC., a joint venture between AFC and Purina Animal Nutrition, was formed in January 2020. This partnership provides both AFC and Purina branded feed products to Alabama Farmers Cooperative members for resale.
Creation of GreenPoint Ag
AFC, WinField United, and Tennessee Farmers Cooperative combined their wholesale and retail agronomy businesses to form GreenPoint Ag. GreenPoint has retail and wholesale locations in an 11-state footprint and is the sixth largest provider of agronomy products and services in the United States.
More than 60 Locations
Today, there are more than 60 Quality Co-op stores in the system serving the needs of farmers, gardeners and homeowners.
