(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 …
$5.9 Million Awarded to Alabama Projects that Strengthen Food Supply Chain Infrastructure
(USDA-AMS/WASHINGTON, D.C./Oct. 8, 2024) — The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) announced it has partnered with Alabama to award $5.9 million for six projects through the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure (RFSI) program to build resilience across the middle of the supply chain and strengthen local and regional food systems. “Since the COVID-19 pandemic, prioritizing this project has been essential …
Livestock Shelters Open in Alabama in Preparation for Tropical Storm Helene
(ADAI/MONTGOMERY, AL/Sept. 24, 2024) — In response to Tropical Storm Helene, forecasted to intensify into a major hurricane, the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (ADAI) has been in contact with our partners to provide temporary sheltering facilities for evacuated livestock including horses and cattle. Animals moving in response to Tropical Storm Helene will be exempt from a certificate of …
ADAI Confirms Two Positive Cases of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) in Horses in Alabama
(ADAI/MONTGOMERY, AL) — The Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (ADAI) confirms two positive cases of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) detected in horses in Covington and Mobile counties. EEE is a mosquito-transmitted disease that is more severe than West Nile Virus (WNV). The mortality rate in horses from WNV is reported at around 30 percent, while the rate for EEE is …
Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries Issues Biosecurity Measures for Livestock Shows
(ADAI/MONTGOMERY, AL/July 22, 2024) — The Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (ADAI) is issuing guidelines to protect animal health in response to the detection of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in dairy cattle in 12 twelve states. Since livestock shows held in conjunction with fairs across Alabama will be starting soon, attendees should abide by these guidelines. “We know livestock …
Sweet Grown Alabama Day Celebrates Locally Grown Agriculture
On Saturday, July 13, Sweet Grown Alabama, the state’s non-profit agricultural branding program, hosted the third “Sweet Grown Alabama Day”. Fourteen farmers markets across the state participated with special events and Alabama farms who are a part of the Sweet Grown Alabama program also participated. Gov. Kay Ivey issued a proclamation declaring July 13, 2024 “Sweet Grown Alabama Day.” “Buying local …