June 19, 2009 - Southern Agriculture Leaders Oppose Proposed Climate Change Legislation

Oklahoma City, OK - Commissioners and secretaries of agriculture representing 17 southern states and U.S. territories today said the Southern Association of State Departments of Agriculture (SASDA) formally opposes H.R. 2454, the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009. “The existing language was created with no consultation from any segment of agriculture and we see negative effects on our producers in terms of new regulations and costs with no financial benefits.” said Oklahoma Secretary of Agriculture and current SASDA President, Terry Peach. · Next Page»

June 12, 2009 - SPARKS PITCHES IN AT LOCAL FOOD DRIVE

MONTGOMERY – Alabama Commissioner of Agriculture & Industries Ron Sparks along with dozens of volunteers helped to distribute over seven tons of food to needy families in the Montgomery area today at a Mobile Pantry site. · Next Page»

May 28, 2009 - SPARKS ANNOUNCES ALTERNATIVE FUELS PARTNERSHIP WITH ASU & MONTGOMERY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

MONTGOMERY - Alabama Commissioner of Agriculture & Industries Ron Sparks along with State Representatives John Knight and Thad McClammy, Alabama State University President Dr. William Harris, and Montgomery Public Schools (MPS) Superintendent Clay Slagle announced a three-way partnership regarding the establishment of a “Save the Environment” program, which will produce biodiesel from recycled cooking oils for use in MPS busses and other diesel-powered equipment. · Next Page»

May 14, 2009 - AG DEPT. ASSISTS IN ARREST IN HORSE NEGLECT CASE

MONTGOMERY - Commissioner Ron Sparks said last night’s arrest of a Covington County man on charges of Cruelty to Animals/Animal Abuse is another example of the Department of Agriculture & Industries (ADAI) working together with local law enforcement. · Next Page»

May 11, 2009 - ALABAMA PEANUT GROWERS DONATE PEANUT BUTTER TO FOOD BANKS

MONTGOMERY - The Alabama Peanut Producers Association (APPA) made a special delivery today and donated twenty-four pallets (approximately 25,000 - 12 oz. jars) of peanut butter to the Montgomery Area Food Bank, for distribution to other food banks throughout the state. The contribution will help needy families enduring economic hardships while increasing the awareness of the health benefits of peanuts and peanut butter. In addition to the Alabama Peanut Producers Association, various peanut-related companies and organizations are donating the peanut butter. · Next Page»

May 8, 2009 - Rural Schools Honored for Excellence

MONTGOMERY - On May 6th, Commissioner Ron Sparks released the Alabama Department of Agriculture & Industries’ Center for Rural Alabama report, Lessons Learned from Rural Schools, at a banquet honoring the ten schools that participated in the study. · Next Page»

May 4, 2009 - Sparks Announces Pesticide Clean Day May 14th

MONTGOMERY - Commissioner Ron Sparks announces a Clean Day Waste Pesticide Collection for Autauga, Bullock, Coosa, Elmore, Lee, Lowndes, Macon, Montgomery and Tallapoosa counties on May 14, 2009. The Clean Day Waste Pesticide Collection Program is sponsored by the Alabama Department of Agriculture & Industries along with the Alabama Cooperative Extension System. · Next Page»

May 4, 2009 - USDA SECRETARY VILSACK ANNOUNCES NATIONAL ANIMAL IDENTIFICATION SYSTEM LISTENING SESSION LOCATIONS

WASHINGTON - Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) will hold a series of listening sessions on the National Animal Identification System (NAIS). The meetings will take place next month in Alabama, Colorado, Connecticut, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Washington state. "USDA needs to hear directly from our stakeholders as we work together to create an animal disease traceability program we can all support," said Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack. · Next Page»

May 1, 2009 - State agencies fuel AIDB biodiesel initiative

TALLADEGA - Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind (AIDB) was recently awarded $5,000 from the Alabama Department of Agriculture & Industries and $10,000 from the Coosa Valley Resource Conservation and Development Council towards implementation of Project Green, a biodiesel training, production and public education program. · Next Page»

April 30, 2009 - Sparks Comments on Black Farmers’ Settlement

MONTGOMERY - Commissioner Ron Sparks says that promises made by federal lawmakers to help black farmers receive their settlements from a 1996 discrimination lawsuit with USDA may be hard for them to keep in the near future. Sparks says that he had serious concerns when the settlement amount of $100 million was initially proposed in the Farm Bill because it would not be close to enough to compensate the estimated 50,000-plus black farmers for their settlement. · Next Page»

April 29, 2009 - National Pork Board Joins USDA, Others Calling Flu H1N1

The National Pork Board is now calling the influenza outbreak the H1N1 flu, aligning with the U.S. Department of Agriculture and other government agencies that begun referring to the virus by its viral strain. "This really isn't swine flu." Secretary Vilsack said. "It's H1N1 virus. That's very, very important. And it is significant, because there are a lot of hardworking families whose livelihood depends on us conveying this message of safety. · Next Page»

April 29, 2009 - State Farmers Market Hosts MarketFest Arts & Crafts Fair

MONTGOMERY – Commissioner of Agriculture & Industries Ron Sparks announces that the State Farmers Market in Montgomery will host the First Annual MarketFest Arts & Crafts Fair, Car Cruise In and Flea Market on May 2-3, 2009. · Next Page»

April 28, 2009 - Sparks Says Pork Safe to Eat

MONTGOMERY - Commissioner Ron Sparks says the Department of Agriculture and Industries has implemented its emergency response plan as a precautionary measure in response to the recent outbreak of the swine influenza virus in the United States. Sparks and State Veterinarian Dr. Tony Frazier have stayed in constant contact with the Alabama Department of Public Health, veterinarians statewide, the state’s diagnostic laboratory system, and the Alabama Farmers Federation. · Next Page»

April 21, 2009 - Sparks Meets with Mexico’s Former President Fox to Form Trade Partnership

LEON, MEXICO - During a recent trade mission to Mexico in conjunction with former President Vicente Fox, Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries Commissioner Ron Sparks focused on helping Alabama manufacturing and service companies gain access to Mexican markets. Commissioner Sparks and other agriculture officials recruited a diverse cross-section of Alabama businesses to join the mission, including manufacturers, farmers, engineering services, and insurance companies. · Next Page»

April 20, 2009 - BRONSON ANNOUNCES INVESTIGATION INTO HORSE DEATHS

TALLAHASSEE, FL - Florida Agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner Charles Bronson has launched an investigation into the deaths of 21 horses that collapsed after arriving in Wellington, Florida for a polo match. Initially, 14 horses died by Sunday evening and an additional 7 died overnight. · Next Page»

April 13, 2009 - Rescheduled: Cool Kids Cook Demo at State Farmers Market

MONTGOMERY - The Alabama Department of Agriculture & Industries (ADAI) and the State Farmers Market in Montgomery will host “Cool Kids Cook” on Wednesday, April 15, 2009 at 11:00am. The public is invited to attend this cooking demonstration featuring Grill Master Sy Matheson and ADAI Assistant Commissioner Glen Zorn. · Next Page»

April 9, 2009 - Sparks Reports on Crops Following Freeze

MONTGOMERY – Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries Ron Sparks says that preliminary reports indicate minimal damage to wheat and peach crops from the last several nights of sub-freezing temperatures. · Next Page»

April 7, 2009 - Local Youth Participates in Alabama Sheep & Goat Expo

MONTGOMERY - Commissioner Ron Sparks welcomed children to Montgomery to participate in the first annual “Alabama Sheep & Goat Expo” on February 28th and March 1st, 2009. More than 40 boys and girls from throughout the state proudly showed their livestock with a chance to earn prizes. · Next Page»

April 6, 2009 - “FARMER AT WORK” CAMPAIGN GEARED TOWARD REDUCING ACCIDENTS

MONTGOMERY - A new safety campaign launched today by the Alabama Department of Public Safety, Alabama Department of Transportation and Alabama Farmers Federation is geared at reducing highway accidents involving slow-moving vehicles (SMVs). Federation President Jerry A. Newby said the idea for the campaign came from farmers who have lost friends and neighbors when tractors they were driving were struck by passing vehicles. · Next Page»

April 3, 2009 - Rural School Study Banquet on May 6

Montgomery - Commissioner Ron Sparks announces that the Alabama Department of Agriculture & Industries’ Center for Rural Alabama will release their report, Lessons Learned from Rural Schools, at a banquet to be held on May 6, 2009. The event will be held at the Marriott Legends at the Robert Trent Jones golf course in Prattville and will begin with a reception at 6:30 p.m. · Next Page»

March 27, 2009 - Sparks Announces Recovery of Stolen Cattle

Montgomery - Commissioner Ron Sparks announces the recovery of cattle stolen from Pike and Russell Counties earlier this week. Two Brahman bulls stolen from Pike County and fifteen cows stolen from Russell County were found Wednesday night after an intense joint investigation by the Alabama Department of Agriculture & Industries Investigations Division, Pike County Sheriff’s Office, Troy Police Department, Russell County Sheriff’s Office, the Georgia Department of Agriculture, and the Marion County Sheriff’s Office in Georgia. · Next Page»

March 27, 2009 - Sparks Comments on Possible Stimulus Help for Alabama

MONTGOMERY - Commissioner Ron Sparks commented on the possibility of the federal government’s economic stimulus package helping agriculture and rural Alabama. “I hope that the agriculture industry will receive a fair share of help in Alabama,” said Sparks. “Our communities, especially in rural Alabama, need attention and assistance after being neglected for too long. At the department, we are definitely keeping an eye on the Commodity Assistance Program, known as the emergency food assistance program, because it should be a priority to help preserve families during times of economic downturns. Also, I hope that we will see some restructuring of loans for farmer and agribusiness debt. · Next Page»

March 25, 2009 - Sparks Announces Auburn Lab Website Online

MONTGOMERY - Commissioner Ron Sparks has announced that the Thompson – Bishop – Sparks State Diagnostic Laboratory in Auburn has a new website. The website can be accessed through the Department of Agriculture & Industries website agi.alabama.gov; or directly at labs.alabama.gov. The website includes information on policies, testing, fees and helpful links. · Next Page»

March 25, 2009 - Sparks Announces ADAPTS Program to Support Disabled Farmers

MONTGOMERY - Commissioner Ron Sparks announces the implementation of the Alabama Disabled Agribusiness Programs & Technical Support (ADAPTS) program at the Department of Agriculture & Industries (ADAI). The program will be an active participant of an advisory council with representatives from ADAI, Alabama Cooperative Extension Services, Alabama Easter Seals, Alabama State Vocational Rehabilitation, Auburn University, and the University of Alabama. The council will work together on projects that will assist Alabama’s farmers who have disabilities. · Next Page»

March 23, 2009 - Cool Kids Cook Demo at State Farmers Market

MONTGOMERY - The Alabama Department of Agriculture & Industries (ADAI) and the State Farmers Market in Montgomery will host “Cool Kids Cook” on Thursday, March 26, 2009 at 12:30p.m. The public is invited to attend this cooking demonstration featuring Grill Master Sy Matheson and ADAI Deputy Commissioner Glen Zorn. · Next Page»

March 17, 2009 - Agri-tourism Meeting Scheduled

MONTGOMERY - Commissioner Ron Sparks recently announced that the Department of Agriculture & Industries has been working with ALFA, ACES, the Farmers Market Authority, Alabama Tourism and Travel and the Department of Transportation to develop an Alabama Agri-Tourism Signage Program. · Next Page»

March 12, 2009 - Alabama Flood-Prone Lands to Receive Economic Recovery Funding

Auburn - Landowners in Alabama will have a chance to tap into the $145 million set aside by the U. S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to restore an estimated 60,000 acres, nationwide, of frequently flooded land to its natural state. The funds are available through the floodplain easement component of the Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) Program. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack says the funds are part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 aimed at revitalizing the economy by creating jobs as well as protecting and restoring the environment. · Next Page»

March 12, 2009 - State Farmers Market Invites Exhibitors to Arts & Crafts Fair

MONTGOMERY - Commissioner of Agriculture & Industries Ron Sparks announces that the State Farmers Market in Montgomery will host the First Annual MarketFest Arts & Crafts Fair on May 2-3, 2009. The fair will feature original arts, crafts, and handicrafts. Artists are invited to sell their works at MarketFest during a fun filled family oriented weekend. · Next Page»

March 9, 2009 - NRCS Announces Wetlands Reserve Program Workshop

Auburn - State Conservationist Gary Kobylski today announced the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) will be hosting a workshop to inform landowners and Tribes about the Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP). WRP is a voluntary program offering landowners the opportunity to protect, restore, and enhance wetlands on their property. Landowners that enter into WRP may be paid an easement payment in exchange for enrolling their land. To date, more than two million acres have been enrolled in WRP, nationally, helping exceed the Federal government’s 3-year goal of increasing the number and size of America’s wetlands. · Next Page»

March 4, 2009 - Sparks Promotes Ag Day 2009

MONTGOMERY - Commissioner of Agriculture & Industries Ron Sparks announces that National Ag Day is March 20, 2009. On this day, Sparks encourages people across the country to remember that our food and fiber begins in the hands of a farmer. · Next Page»

March 4, 2009 - Agriculture: Essential in Alabama

MONTGOMERY - Alabama is in financial crisis and most state agencies are struggling and facing possible layoffs or furloughs. We need real solutions to our fiscal emergency and in the last two years, the Department of Agriculture & Industries has cut spending dramatically. Money has been saved while maintaining services to the public. If we cut deeper, state employees, the agriculture industry, and our state’s economy will all suffer as a result. Agriculture is Alabama’s number one industry and our agency is an integral part of everyday commerce. The actions of our employees touch the lives of people in Alabama on a daily basis. · Next Page»

March 3, 2009 - Ag Department Scores Huge Dragnet

MONTGOMERY - Commissioner of Agriculture & Industries Ron Sparks held a press conference today on a months-long sting operation that has led to a tremendous recovery of stolen property. As of today, fifteen counties in Alabama and one in Florida are part of the dragnet. The total value of recovered items so far is more than half a million dollars and includes: cattle, tractors, backhoes, ATVs, power tools, utility and stock trailers. The investigation also led to the discovery of other illegal items including drugs, moonshine, and untaxed liquor. · Next Page»

February 26, 2009 - Sparks to Hold Press Conference on Huge Dragnet

MONTGOMERY - Commissioner of Agriculture & Industries Ron Sparks will hold a press conference on Tuesday, March 3rd at 1:30pm in the Ag Center parking lot adjacent to the Richard Beard Building at 1445 Federal Drive, Montgomery. The topic of the press conference will be a months-long sting operation that has led to the recovery of more than half a million dollars worth of stolen property including cattle, tractors, backhoes, utility and stock trailers, and moonshine. · Next Page»

February 25, 2009 - Major League Rodeo Returns to Montgomery March 5-7

MONTGOMERY - Alabama’s only major league sporting event, the Southeastern Livestock Exposition Rodeo, is set to come to Montgomery for its 52nd consecutive year. This year’s rodeo is set for March 5-7 at the Garrett Coliseum. Not only will the annual SLE Week feature some of the world’s most accomplished cowboys and cowgirls vying for $60,000 in prize money during 4 PRCA rodeo performances, but the week’s events will also include more than 400 young people from across Alabama competing in the Alabama Junior Livestock Expo, a highlight for youth involved in 4-H and FFA events. · Next Page»

February 24, 2009 - Sparks Meets with Ag Secretary Vilsack

MONTGOMERY - Alabama Agriculture and Industries Commissioner Ron Sparks met with USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack at the semi-annual meeting of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA) held in Washington, D.C. last week. · Next Page»

February 13, 2009 - Local Youths Participate in State Hog Show

MONTGOMERY - Commissioner Ron Sparks welcomed local youth to Montgomery to participate in the first annual Alabama State Market Hog Show on January 18th. Sixty-seven boys and girls from 14 Alabama counties brought 95 hogs to show. · Next Page»

February 6, 2009 - Alabama Business Tortillas Blanco Receives Commendation

MONTGOMERY - Commissioner of Agriculture & Industries Ron Sparks is proud to announce that on Thursday, January 22, 2009, Tortillas Blanco, Inc. was recognized by Governor Bob Riley at a Commendation ceremony held at the Alabama State Capitol. · Next Page»

February 4, 2009 - 2007 Ag Census Shows Growing Trends in US Agriculture

MONTGOMERY - Commissioner of Agriculture & Industries Ron Sparks and Alabama’s Agricultural Statistics Director Bill Weaver announced the results of the 2007 Census of Agriculture at a press conference today. The 2007 Census of Agriculture counted 2,204,792 farms in the United States through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agriculture Statistics Service (NASS) and showed optimal results for Alabama. · Next Page»

February 4, 2009 - Sparks Comments on Cockfighting Bill

MONTGOMERY - Commissioner Ron Sparks has provided comments on proposed legislation that would make cockfighting a felony in Alabama. HB245 states that it would become “a Class C felony for a person to do any of the following: Own, possess, keep, raise, or train any cock with the intent that the cock shall be engaged in fighting another cock.” Sparks supports the portions of the bill that state that gaffing, training and fighting cocks should be illegal, but he is concerned that the law will not allow a person to own, possess, keep, or raise a rooster on his or her property. · Next Page»

January 27, 2009 - Sparks Announces Computer Based Certification for Pesticide Applicators

MONTGOMERY - Commissioner of Agriculture & Industries Ron Sparks announces that the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (ADAI) now offers computer based testing for certification of pesticide applicators. · Next Page»

January 27, 2009 - Ag Census Data to be Announced February 4th

MONTGOMERY - Commissioner of Agriculture & Industries Ron Sparks and Alabama’s Agricultural Statistics Director Bill Weaver will announce the results of the 2007 Census of Agriculture at a press conference on February 4, 2009 at 1pm. The announcement will be held at the Department of Agriculture & Industries located at 1445 Federal Drive, Montgomery, in the auditorium. Commissioner Sparks and Mr. Weaver will review the data from the census and answer questions from the media and the public.

January 26, 2009 - Recalls Of Peanut Butter Products Continue

MONTGOMERY - Commissioner of Agriculture & Industries Ron Sparks advises consumers that the number of peanut butter products on the recall list continues to grow. Since the initial recall in early January, more than 155 products from 50 different manufacturers are now included in the list of products possibly contaminated with Salmonella Typhimurium. · Next Page»

January 22, 2009 - Alabama Food Display Contest Winner

MONTGOMERY - On January 20, 2009, a press conference was held to announce the winners of the Display Contest for the October Month of Alabama Food and a check for $63,000 was presented to the Janie Sims Children's Foundation as a portion of the proceeds from sales by Alabama manufacturing companies involved in this program. · Next Page»

January 22, 2009 - Sparks’ Grandmother Turns 100

FORT PAYNE, AL - Commissioner of Agriculture & Industries Ron Sparks’ grandmother, Vera Kuykendall, is 100 years young today. Sparks shares the news of Ms. Kuykendall’s special birthday as a reminder to appreciate our families and loved ones. Ms. Kuykendall, who was born in 1909, worked in the sock mills of Dekalb County for many years and is credited with instilling a strong sense of family and a tireless work ethic in her grandson. · Next Page»

January 21, 2009 - More Recalls of Peanut Butter Products

MONTGOMERY - Commissioner of Agriculture & Industries Ron Sparks advises consumers that, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the list of recalls of products containing peanut butter is expanding. For an updated listing of products affected by the outbreak of Salmonella Typhimurium, consumers should visit the FDA website at http://www.fda.gov/oc/opacom/hottopics/salmonellatyph.html, or contact the manufacturer of the product directly using the 1-800 number on the packaging. · Next Page»

January 13, 2009 - Schofield Wins “Best in Beef” in Statewide Cook-Off

MONTGOMERY - Lyna Schofield was recently selected as the overall winner of the 2009 State Beef Cook-Off in Montgomery Jan. 10. Schofield was one of 36 students to compete at the state level. The students were split into four divisions based on their age and region. As the Lauderdale County representative, Schofield was chosen as the winner in the Senior North division. She also received the Best in Beef award which was selected from the four regional winners across the state. · Next Page»

January 5, 2009 - Month of Alabama Food Display Contest Winner

BIRMINGHAM - On Tuesday, January 20, 2009, a Press Conference will be held to announce the winners of the Display Contest for the October Month of Alabama Food and a check will be presented to the Janie Sims Children’s Foundation in the amount of $63,000 as a portion of the proceeds from Alabama manufacturing companies involved in this program. The Display Contest was sponsored jointly by the Alabama Grocers Association and the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries to promote Alabama Products within the state in coordination with the Buy Alabama’s Best Program. · Next Page»