ADAI Licenses Growers, Processors, and Universities into the Alabama Industrial Hemp Pilot Program

Commissioner Rick Pate announced the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (ADAI) has licensed 152 growers, 59 processors, and 5 universities to grow, cultivate, process, and research industrial hemp in 2019. Each list is available at http://www.agi.alabama.gov/s/industrial-hemp—home—w-o. “We have had a significant interest in the Alabama Industrial Hemp Pilot Program from potential growers and processors since the availability of applications was …

Protecting Local Foods Across Alabama

The Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries oversees programs that affect residents — from producers to consumers to businesses — across the state in many ways. Alabama Agriculture Commissioner Rick Pate told Southeast AgNet he hears a lot about local foods from people all over the state. Sponsored ContentStrong Relationship Exists Between the Florida Cattle Enhancement Board and UF-IFASApril 17, 2026Florida …

Alabama Ag Commissioner on Department

After about two months on the job, Alabama Agriculture Commissioner Rick Pate wants folks across the state to realize the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (ADAI) touches everyone’s lives in the state in one way or another. Sponsored ContentStrong Relationship Exists Between the Florida Cattle Enhancement Board and UF-IFASApril 17, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Provides Funding For Quicker Response to Research …

Issues Facing New Alabama Ag Commissioner

In just his first week in office Rick Pate, commissioner of the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries, is already hearing about various issues that concern citizens across the state. Sponsored ContentStrong Relationship Exists Between the Florida Cattle Enhancement Board and UF-IFASApril 17, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Provides Funding For Quicker Response to Research QuestionsApril 10, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Provides …

Alabama Cattlemen Welcome State Leaders

Alabama Governor Kay Ivey, along with new Alabama Agriculture Commissioner Rick Pate and other top state officials, were formally sworn into their jobs Monday in Montgomery. Erin Beasley, Alabama Cattlemen’s Association executive vice president, says the association is looking forward to working with the state’s top leaders. Sponsored ContentStrong Relationship Exists Between the Florida Cattle Enhancement Board and UF-IFASApril 17, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement …

New Alabama Ag Commissioner to Be Sworn in Monday

Alabama Agriculture Commissioner-elect Rick Pate, along with the other top state officials, will be formally sworn into their jobs during a ceremony Monday morning in Montgomery. Pate, who did not have a general election opponent, was actually elected to serve as the next Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries in Alabama during the primary election back in July. He told Southeast AgNet’s Randall Weiseman …

Alabama Fruit and Vegetable Growers Conference Held in Chilton County

The Alabama Fruit & Vegetable Growers Association (AFVGA) held its annual conference and trade show in Clanton Nov. 15-16 where 250 attendees heard from industry leaders, elected officials and university & Extension professionals. “It was exciting to see the fruit and vegetable farmers from across Alabama come together for this event,” said AFVGA Executive Director Hunter McBrayer. “It was an …

Pate to Serve as Next Alabama Commissioner of Agriculture

During Tuesday’s runoff elections in Alabama, Rick Pate defeated Gerald Dial by garnering 57% of the vote. Thus Pate, who does not have a general election opponent, has actually been elected to serve as the next Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries in Alabama. In a recent phone interview with Southeast AgNet, Pate talked about the lack of funding the department has seen the …