AFOA was incorporated by a small group of forest owners in 1981, and has grown to several thousand members from all over Alabama and many other states.

The mission of the association is to be the Advocate for the Forest Owner and to keep its members well informed on all things related to forest ownership. Anyone who owns forestland, who struggles with the problems and enjoys the benefits of owning forestland, is a potential member.

AFOA is supported by membership and service fees from thousands of forest owners and, unlike most other forest landowner associations, remains independent of government agencies and the forest products manufacturing industry.