September 28, 2007 - Sparks Promotes October as "Alabama Food Products Month"

MONTGOMERY - Governor Bob Riley has declared October as “Alabama Food Products Month” and it’s a time to enjoy many of the delicious food products created and produced here in Alabama. Yesterday, a press conference was held with the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries, the Alabama Grocers Association, the Alabama Food Manufacturers and Producers Association, and the Alabama Department of Tourism and Travel to kick off their “Buy Alabama’s Best” campaign. · Next Page»

September 20, 2007 - NOTICE: ORAL RABIES VACCINATION PROJECT

The United States Department of Agriculture - Wildlife Services, the Alabama Department of Public Health, the Jefferson County Department of Health, and the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries will be distributing a vaccine in your area that orally vaccinates wild raccoons against rabies.  more...

October 17, 2007 - Dept. of Ag Holds Meeting of Rural Alabama’s Committee of 100

MONTGOMERY – Rural Alabama’s Committee of 100 is scheduled to meet on Thursday, October 18, 2007 at the Department of Agriculture and Industries located at 1445 Federal Drive in Montgomery. The committee meeting will begin at 10:00 a.m. and will conclude at Noon. · Next Page»

October 15, 2007 - New Crop Insurance Program for Hay & Grazing Land

MONTGOMERY - In response to the drought conditions that plagued the State of Alabama this past summer, the USDA Risk Management Agency (RMA) has recently expanded a pilot insurance program to cover hay and grazing land in the state for the 2008 crop year. This program, called the Pasture, Rangeland and Forage - Rainfall Index Plan of Insurance, is a simple ‘Group Risk’ type of program. The insurance policy covers deviation from normal rainfall over a 12-mile square area using data supplied by the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA). · Next Page»

October 12, 2007 - Sparks Provides Statement on Synagro Fertilizer Issue in North Alabama

"We have had a number of complaints at the Department about the use of solid waste as fertilizer in North Alabama. After we looked into what is taking place, we have growing concerns regarding the process for bringing in these materials into Alabama and the distribution of the material by the Synagro Company. · Next Page»

October 11, 2007 - Department of Ag Investigators Continue Work to Solve Crimes

MONTGOMERY - Alabama’s Department of Agriculture & Industries’ Investigations Division continues to work with state and local law enforcement to solve crimes that involve agriculture. Most recently, department investigators were able to assist in solving a case involving the sale of stolen cattle in Covington County. · Next Page»

November 20, 2007 - Cuban EXPO Showcases Alabama Products

MONTGOMERY - Agriculture & Industries Commissioner Ron Sparks announced that agribusiness leaders from Alabama participated in the Havana International Trade Fair on November 3rd – November 8th. Representatives from the state’s agricultural and pharmaceutical industries were in Cuba promoting poultry and poultry products, lumber and forestry products, soybeans, feed grains, and medical supplies. The Havana International Trade Fair is the largest product showcase in Caribbean America. · Next Page»

May 14, 2007 - CONGRESSMAN ARTUR DAVIS, AG COMM. RON SPARKS CALL FOR TOUGHER INSPECTIONS FOR CHINESE IMPORTS

BIRMINGHAM - Alabama 7th District U.S. Representative Artur Davis (D-Birmingham) submitted a letter today to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration calling for tougher inspection standards for catfish products imported from China. · Next Page»

May 30, 2007 - Alabama Food Products Day at the Statehouse

MONTGOMERY - Commissioner Ron Sparks announces an "Alabama Food Products Day"at the Statehouse on Tuesday, May 1, 2007. · Next Page»

May 16, 2007 - Sparks Optimistic about Disaster Relief

MONTGOMERY - Agriculture & Industries Commissioner Ron Sparks is optimistic about Alabama farmers getting relief due to the disaster declaration issued by USDA Secretary Mike Johanns this week. Johanns declared 41 counties had received sufficient product losses to warrant a natural disaster declaration. Another 14 contiguous counties qualified for low-interest loans under the Consolidated Farm & Rural Development Act. · Next Page»

May 15, 2007 - SPARKS' STATEMENT ON TAINTED CHINESES CATFISH

Commissioner Sparks has issued the following statement regarding the recent news articles that quote the director of the Mississippi Poison Control Center, Dr. Robert Cox, as saying he saw no problem with serving tainted Chinese catfish to his family and children. The article can be found at: www.clarionledger.com

"I think it is absurd that Dr. Cox would advise people that it is perfectly okay to eat a chemical that is banned by the FDA. Our test results at the Department of Agriculture & Industries have shown that we have a serious problem with imported catfish coming into our country that contain banned antibiotics. · Next Page»

April 5, 2007 - Sparks Looks for a Way to Protect Alabama’s Peach Crop

MONTGOMERY – Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries Ron Sparks expressed his concern today about the potential damage the extremely low temperatures forecasted for this weekend will have on Alabama’s peach crop. The Department of Agriculture and Industries’ staff is pursuing all measures to prevent damage to the crop. · Next Page»

March 23, 2007 - Pet Food Recall Update

MONTGOMERY - Commissioner Ron Sparks is providing an update on the Menu Foods, Inc. wet pet food products recall following the release of new information from the New York State Department of Agriculture & Markets. · Next Page»

March 22, 2007 - Sparks Still Concerned over Pet Food Recall

MONTGOMERY – Commissioner Ron Sparks expresses his concern with the ongoing recall issued from Menu Foods, Inc. for wet pet foods sold under many different brand names. Menu Foods, Inc., a private-label pet food manufacturer based in Streetsville, Ontario, Canada, is recalling all its "cuts and gravy" style dog and cat food produced at its facility in Emporia, Kansas between December 3, 2006 and March 6, 2007. · Next Page»

March 15, 2007 - Oral rabies vaccine distribution to begin March 19 in Central Alabama

A federally funded project to halt the westward movement of rabies by orally vaccinating raccoons will begin distributing oral rabies vaccine baits March 19 in Central Alabama. Baits will be dropped from a low-flying aircraft in forested and rural regions and distributed by hand in populated areas.   Next Page»

June 28, 2007: Immigration Bill Fails in US Senate

MONTGOMERY - Commissioner Ron Sparks expressed his concern with the US Senate’s failure to pass an immigration bill. Sparks’ concern is due in large part to Alabama being an agricultural state. In Alabama, industries such as greenhouses, nurseries, sod farms, landscapers, poultry, catfish farms, and the Gulf’s seafood industry rely on guest workers. · Next Page»

June 14, 2007 - Sparks, Soft Drink Industry Work Together for Healthier Kids in Alabama

MONTGOMERY - In an unprecedented joint effort between private industry and public leaders, the State Board of Education voted unanimously in today’s meeting to approve new vending guidelines for Alabama schools.  Commissioner of Agriculture & Industries Ron Sparks, in conjunction with the soft drink beverage association of Alabama (Alabama Beverage Association), presented guidelines to the State School Board that before had only been recommended on a voluntary basis at the national level by the Alliance for a Healthier Generation, a partnership between the American Heart Association and the Clinton Foundation. · Next Page»

June 8, 2007 - Sparks Concerned as Drought Worsens

MONTGOMERY - Commissioner Ron Sparks expresses his increasing concern as Alabama continues to experience one of the most severe droughts in the United States this year. Between April 1 and June 1, most of Alabama has only received 2-4 inches of rain. The US Drought Monitor has now raised the drought rating of a substantial part of Alabama to level four, or Exceptional. With ponds drying up and virtually no grass or hay, many farmers have had to make harsh decisions. Sparks hopes that the Department of Agriculture & Industries will be able to find some solutions to help farmers. · Next Page»

June 29, 2007 - ALABAMA FARMERS FEDERATION JOINS IN CALL FOR WEEK OF PRAYER FOR RAIN

MONTGOMERY - Jerry Newby, President of the Alabama Farmers Federation, today joined Gov. Bob Riley and Agriculture Commissioner Ron Sparks in a call for a week of concentrated prayer for rain in the midst of unprecedented drought conditions. The week of prayer begins on Saturday, June 30 and continues through Saturday, July 7. · Next Page»

June 28, 2007: FDA Holds Chinese Farm-Raised Seafood Imports into US

MONTGOMERY - Commissioner Ron Sparks commends the FDA for detaining imports of farm-raised Chinese seafood. The FDA issued the import alert for all farm-raised catfish, basa, shrimp, dace (related to carp), and eel from China. The FDA will start to detain these products at the border until the shipments are proven to be free of residues from drugs that are not approved in the United States for use in farm-raised aquatic animals. · Next Page»

June 27, 2007: Entire State Still Under Severe To Extreme Drought

MONTGOMERY - Throughout Alabama, farmers remain concerned as all 67 counties stay in severe or extreme drought conditions. Although final financial damages due to the drought will not be determined for some time, it is clear that many farmers will suffer great losses. · Next Page»

June 26, 2007 - Senior Citizens Recognition Day at Fairview Farmers Market

MONTGOMERY - The Fairview State Farmers Market will host Senior Citizens Recognition Day on Thursday, June 28, from 10am – 1pm.  There will be food demonstrations, door prizes, entertainment, food sampling, and homemade ice cream.  Farmers Market Vouchers will also be handed out to senior citizens. · Next Page»

July 27, 2007 - AUM Announces Winners of Second Annual Innovative Alabama Governments Awards

MONTGOMERY - The Auburn Montgomery Center for Government today honored Agriculture and Industries Commissioner Ron Sparks, State Department of Corrections Commissioner Richard F. Allen and the Alabama Department of Finance’s State Buildings & Space Management Office with Innovative Alabama Governments Awards. · Next Page»

July 27, 2007 - AUM Announces Winners of Second Annual Innovative Alabama Governments Awards

MONTGOMERY - The Auburn Montgomery Center for Government today honored Agriculture and Industries Commissioner Ron Sparks, State Department of Corrections Commissioner Richard F. Allen and the Alabama Department of Finance’s State Buildings & Space Management Office with Innovative Alabama Governments Awards. · Next Page»

July 23, 2007 - Dept Sets Drought Meetings with Farmers for August

MONTGOMERY - Commissioner Ron Sparks will be visiting with Alabama farmers who have suffered damages due to the drought on Wednesday, August 8th at three stops across the state. · Next Page»

July 20, 2007 - USDA EXPANDS CRP EMERGENCY HAYING AND GRAZING TO HELP LIVESTOCK AFFECTED

WASHINGTON - Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns today announced a measure to provide livestock in drought-affected states with needed additional hay and forage. Conservation Reserve Program (CRP)acreage eligible for emergency haying and grazing in Alabama, Indiana, Mississippi, Montana, Ohio, Oregon and Tennessee has been expanded to include land in an area radiating 210 miles out from all counties previously approved for emergency haying and grazing. · Next Page»

July 19, 2007 - Alabama has Nationwide Impact on Food Safety

MONTGOMERY Commissioner Ron Sparks applauds the staff of the Alabama Department of Agriculture Industries; Food Safety Division for their diligence in ensuring that food sold to consumers is safe. Sparks commented on his staff following President George Bush's creation of an import safety panel that will make recommendations to improve the quality of imports into the US. · Next Page»

July 12, 2007 - 2007 Century & Heritage Farm Program

MONTGOMERY - The Department of Agriculture and Industries is now accepting applications for the 2007 Century and Heritage Farm program. This program is designed to recognize and honor those farms that have been in operation as a family farm over a long period of time and have played a significant role in Alabama history. · Next Page»

January 8, 2007 - Sparks Urges Assistance for Alabama’s Cattle Industry

MONTGOMERY, AL – Agriculture & Industries Commissioner Ron Sparks has warned that the cattle industry in Alabama continues to be in serious trouble due to drought related complications experienced in 2006. The industry is at a highly critical stage because of shortages of both hay and alternative feed sources. · Next Page»

January 25, 2007 - Sparks Announces Clean Day Waste Pesticide Collection in Wiregrass

MONTGOMERY – Agriculture & Industries Commissioner Ron Sparks announces a Clean Day Waste Pesticide Collection for Houston, Dale, and Henry counties on February 2, 2007. · Next Page»

February 23, 2007 - Sparks Warns of Blister Beetle Poisoning in Horses

MONTGOMERY - Commissioner Ron Sparks is warning horse owners about the potential infestation of blister beetles in alfalfa hay, which can fatally poison horses that ingest them. “Many horse owners have been purchasing alfalfa hay this year due to the shortage of grass hay caused by the drought last summer,” said Sparks. “Blister beetles are attracted to and thrive in alfalfa hay. This is bad for horses because blister beetles have a toxin in their body, which causes painful blisters when it comes in contact with skin or mucous membranes.” · Next Page»

February 6, 2007 - Governor Riley, Commissioner Sparks Form Alternative Energy Committee

MONTGOMERY - Governor Bob Riley and Commissioner Ron Sparks of the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries on Monday announced they have jointly formed a committee charged with developing a comprehensive alternative energy policy for the state.  The Alabama Alternative Energy Committee is made up of energy experts and leaders from the state’s universities, forestry and agriculture sectors, manufacturers, energy providers, and state and local government officials. · Next Page»

February 2, 2007 - Sparks Announces the Opening of Alabama Trade Development Center in India

CHENNAI, INDIA – Commissioner Ron Sparks announces the opening of the Alabama India Trade Development Center in New Delhi, India. The Center will seek new opportunities for sales of Alabama products to India. The Department has been working cooperatively with other Southern states in promoting value added food products, poultry, pulp and paper, newsprint, and introducing pecans to Indian consumers for the past two years. The potential for Alabama companies in India is not only for food and traditional agricultural commodities. · Next Page»

February 22, 2007 - Sparks Holds Press Conference on Florida-Alabama Waterways

MONTGOMERY - Agriculture & Industries Commissioner Ron Sparks held a press conference on the Florida-Alabama waterways management issue today.  Florida’s Coastal Management Program has proposed what it calls "a routine request" to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) that, if granted, would allow the State of Florida to control Alabama’s water resources into extreme North Alabama. · Next Page»

February 15, 2007 - Sparks Concerned by Possible Chinese Chicken Imports into U.S.

MONTGOMERY - Commissioner Ron Sparks expressed his concern with the USDA’s possible decision to allow cooked poultry from China to be imported into the United States.  Sparks’ concern arises from China’s 14 reported human deaths from avian influenza (AI) since 2003. · Next Page»

January 3, 2007 - Sparks to be Sworn in by General Wesley Clark

MONTGOMERY - Agriculture & Industries Commissioner Ron Sparks will be sworn in by retired four-star general, Supreme Allied Commander, NATO Forces Europe and 2004 presidential candidate, General Wesley Clark at Alabama’s inauguration ceremony to be held on January 15, 2007 in Montgomery. · Next Page»

September 04, 2007 - ALABAMA SCHOOLS PILOT PROJECT COMMUNITY

MONTGOMERY - Twelve Alabama public schools have been selected as pilot schools for Project Community – a public/private partnership to enhance natural science education. · Next Page»

August 24, 2007 - Sparks & Bright Announce Partnership to Produce Biodiesel Fuel from Recycled Cooking Oil

MONTGOMERY - Agriculture & Industries Commissioner Ron Sparks and Montgomery’s Mayor Bobby Bright today announced they were forming a partnership to turn used cooking oils into biodiesel fuel for Agriculture Department and City vehicles. · Next Page»

August 21, 2007 - Drought Worsens Across Alabama

MONTGOMERY - Agriculture & Industries Commissioner Ron Sparks expressed his concern for farmers as the drought continues to worsen across most of Alabama. The US Drought Monitor has been updated to show that 73.1% of the state is experiencing a D4, or exceptional, level of drought and an additional 12.4% are at D3, or extreme, level. Earlier this month, Alabama’s drought conditions appeared to be improving with only 51.8% of the state included in the D4 level. · Next Page»

August 20, 2007 - Reimbursement for CAFO Owners

The Alabama Department of Agriculture & Industries, in cooperation with USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), has implemented a program to compensate all Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFO) owners for the majority of the cost for the annual inspection, which is required by the Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM). · Next Page»

August 20, 2007 - Governor Riley and Agriculture & Industries Commissioner Ron Sparks Announce $1.04 Million in Federal Drought Aid

MONTGOMERY - Governor Bob Riley and Agriculture & Industries Commissioner Ron Sparks today announced the federal government is awarding $1.04 million dollars in Emergency Conservation Program (ECP) funding for drought in Alabama. · Next Page»

April 9, 2007 - Sparks Announces Funding for Alabama Farm & Ranch Land Protection

MONTGOMERY – Commissioner Ron Sparks announces that the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (ADAI) will participate in the USDA Farm and Ranch Lands Protection Program by providing matching funds of $550,000 to acquire development rights with conservation easements to keep productive farmland in agricultural usage. This will be the Department’s second year to participate.   Next Page»

April 6, 2007 - Update on Possible Use of Helicopters to Save Peach Crop

MONTGOMERY - The Alabama Department of Agriculture & Industries and the Governor’s office have decided not to use helicopters in efforts to save Alabama’s vulnerable peach crop. The decision was made following a change in the weather forecast, which now predicts the coldest temperatures will occur for 3 hours or less in the early morning hours on both Saturday and Sunday. · Next Page»

May 6, 2007 - Food Safety Editorial, Commissioner Ron Sparks

There has been a lot of attention lately in the United States about food safety issues.  Most of us know that our food is checked by federal and state agencies for things such as pesticide residue and salmonella, but many people are unaware of some of the other dangerous contaminants that may be in our food.  At the Alabama Department of Agriculture & Industries we take samples of all food products sold in Alabama and test them in our Food and Drug Lab in Montgomery in an effort to help protect consumers. · Next Page»

April 25, 2007 - Sparks Presents Results of Fish Testing

MONTGOMERY - Commissioner Ron Sparks held a press conference today to reveal the results of tests conducted on samples of imported fish from Malaysia, Indonesia, China, Thailand, and Vietnam. · Next Page»

April 25, 2007 - One By One Head Start Program Paired with BUY Alabama Best

MONTGOMERY - Senator Quinton Ross unveiled his Youth Initiative 2007 as he partnered with Agriculture & Industries Commissioner Ron Sparks and Montgomery Community Action Agency in an effort to promote BUY Alabama products in the disadvantage communities "One by One." · Next Page»

April 20, 2007 - Sparks to Present Results of Fish Testing

MONTGOMERY - Commissioner Ron Sparks will be holding a press conference on Wednesday, April 25th at 2:30pm at the Alabama Department of Public Health located in the RSA Tower, 201 Monroe St., 9th Floor, Suite 940, in Montgomery.   Next Page»

December 6, 2007 - “Clean Day” Pesticide Collection Held in Rainsville

Rainsville, AL - A “Clean Day” Pesticide Collection Event was held on December 4th at the former Dekalb County Farmers Cooperative in Rainsville.

Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries Commissioner Ron Sparks stated that 44,112 pounds of unwanted and unusable pesticides were collected from 42 farmers in the Sand Mountain area. Sparks said that he is pleased to give members of the agricultural community the opportunity to dispose of unwanted and unusable pesticides free of charge. · Next Page»

December 12, 2007 - Fairview Farmers Market Hosts 3rd Annual Holiday Open House

MONTGOMERY - The Fairview State Farmers Market hosts the third annual Holiday Open House from December 10th through December 15th. The Open House will be from 10am-1pm Monday through Friday and 10am-3pm on Saturday. · Next Page»

December 4, 2007 - Sparks Supports 2008 Census Of Agriculture

MONTGOMERY, AL - Agriculture & Industries Commissioner Ron Sparks has issued a proclamation declaring January 2008 “Census of Agriculture Month.” The census is being conducted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS). · Next Page»

December 3, 2007 - Sparks Receives Federation’s Service to Agriculture Award

MOBILE, AL - Ron Sparks, Commissioner of the Alabama Department of Agriculture & Industries, received the Alabama Farmers Federation's highest award at its 86th annual meeting Dec. 1-3 in Mobile. · Next Page»

December 29, 2007 - FDA Warns Consumers On Louisiana Raw Oysters

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is warning consumers not to eat raw oysters harvested from West Karako Bay, a section of Growing Area 3 in Louisiana. These oysters, harvested from Dec. 3 through Dec. 21, may be contaminated with norovirus. · Next Page»