Alabama Farmers, FFA Members Meet with Elected Officials

As the 2022 Alabama Legislative Session continues, farmers from across the state met with elected officials Wednesday evening over platefuls of Alabama-grown foods during the Alabama Farmers Federation’s Taste of Alabama legislative reception in Montgomery.

County Farmers Federation presidents and FarmPAC advisory trustees from across the state visited with over 100 elected officials, including over 80 legislators; Supreme Court justices and appellate judges; members of the Public Service Commission and Alabama State Board of Education. Attendees included Gov. Kay Ivey, Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth, Attorney General Steve Marshall, Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries Rick Pate, State Treasurer Young Boozer and Secretary of State John Merrill.

Various products from across the state were featured at the event.

Also this week, about 150 FFA members climbed the Capitol steps for FFA Day on the Hill. Gov. Kay Ivey welcomed students Tuesday morning before they moved to the Capitol Auditorium for presentations from state lawmakers.

According to the Alabama Farmers Federation, after receiving a proclamation from Gov. Ivey and hearing from legislators and State Treasurer Young Boozer, FFA students moved across the street to the State House.

House of Representatives Majority Leader Nathaniel Ledbetter of Rainsville encouraged the students to talk to their representatives about supporting HB 124, which he’s sponsoring. The bill will allow students participating in FFA and 4-H Club events to be counted present at school. Alabama Farmers Federation supports the bill.

The majority leader also urged the students to work hard, surround themselves with good friends and demonstrate their personal character in little things, even picking up trash on their school campuses.