The Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries has confirmed the presence of Africanized honey bees in Barbour County earlier this week. The identification was confirmed after local beekeepers collected a feral swarm. The swarm was humanely euthanized in an effort to protect Alabama’s honey bee populations. Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries, Rick Pate said, “There is no reason for public …
Africanized Honeybees Confirmed in Alabama: ADAI Launches Containment Effort
Alabama Department of Agriculture Responds Swiftly to Protect Beekeepers and Pollinators The Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (ADAI) has confirmed the presence of Africanized Honeybees (AHB) in Barbour County, after a feral swarm was collected by local beekeepers. The swarm was safely euthanized to protect the state’s honeybee populations. In response, ADAI is deploying monitoring traps within a five-mile …
Alabama Commissioner of Agriculture Shares Support of USDA Appointees in Alabama Roles
The Alabama Commissioner of Agriculture Rick Pate shared his support of two Alabama leaders that were appointed to serve in USDA positions in Alabama. The US Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins appointed Twinkle Cavanaugh to serve as State Director for USDA Rural Development in Alabama and Monica Carroll to serve as the Farm Service Agency State Executive Director for Alabama. …
Alabama Equine Owners Encouraged To Vaccinate Their Horses
The Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries Commissioner Rick Pate and State Veterinarian Dr. Tony Frazier are encouraging horse owners to vaccinate for Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) and West Nile Virus (WNV). EEE is a mosquito-transmitted disease that is more severe than West Nile Virus with a mortality rate of nearly 90%. West Nile Virus is a significant threat to …
Alabama Counties as Primary Natural Disaster Areas
(ADAI/MONTGOMERY, AL/April 1, 2025) — Alabama Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries Rick Pate announced that USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins has designated 20 Alabama counties as primary natural disaster areas due to a recent drought. Eighteen additional counties were listed as contiguous disaster counties. “The drought affected over half of the counties in Alabama,” said Commissioner Pate. “We encourage farmers to …
Commissioner Rick Pate declares March 19th as National Agriculture Trade Day in Alabama
(ADAI/MONTGOMERY, AL/March 19, 2025) — Alabama Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries Rick Pate has declared March 19th as National Agriculture Trade Day in Alabama, in recognition of the significant contribution agriculture trade makes to the state’s economy, farmers and communities. Commissioner Pate is currently serving as the Southern United States Trade Association (SUSTA) Board President. SUSTA is a non-profit organization that …
National Ag Day – Thank A Farmer Video
The Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries is celebrating National Ag Day today! We want to recognize and show our appreciation to the hardworking farmers who keep Alabama and the world fed, clothed and thriving! Agriculture is the backbone of our state, contributing $77.3 billion to our economy. No one is more committed to protecting the land than Alabama farmers. …
Commissioner Rick Pate Launches “Thank a Farmer” Initiative to Raise Awareness and Appreciation for Farmers
(ADAI/Montgomery, AL/January 30, 2025) — Alabama Agriculture Commissioner Rick Pate unveiled the state’s “Thank a Farmer” initiative during a press conference held at Ravello Ristorante in Montgomery. The new campaign aims to increase public appreciation for farmers and raise awareness about where our food comes from. The event also featured remarks from key community leaders, including Ravello’s Chef Nicholas Wyatt, local produce farmer Kelvin Anderson, and State Senator Will Barfoot. …
Alabama Agriculture Commissioner Urges Congress to Provide Economic Relief to Farmers
(ADAI/MONTGOMERY, AL/Dec. 17, 2024) — Farmers across the Alabama and the nation are facing historic economic hardships. Record inflation, high input costs, high interest rates and low prices for several agricultural commodities could force many farms out of business or cause them to choose to no longer farm in 2025, if federal action is not taken by the U.S. Congress. …
HPAI Confirmed in an Alabama Commercial Broiler Farm and a Backyard Flock
(ADAI/MONTGOMERY, AL/Dec. 16, 2024) — The Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (ADAI) and USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) have confirmed the presence of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in a commercial broiler farm in Cullman County and in a backyard flock in Pickens County. Samples from the flocks were tested and confirmed positive at the Alabama …