MONTGOMERY, Ala. — The Alabama Department of Agriculture & Industries (ADAI) is proud to announce the opening of its newly constructed Pesticide Residue and State Chemical Labs in Auburn, Ala. Commissioner of Agriculture & Industries Rick Pate, Governor Kay Ivey, Auburn University President Christopher Roberts, members of the Alabama legislature and local officials cut the ribbon on the building.

This ribbon cutting ceremony represents a significant milestone for ADAI as it unveils these state-of-the-art laboratories equipped with the latest technology and expert personnel. At the new facilities, ADAI staff will conduct research, analyze and test pesticide residues and chemical compositions in agricultural product samples collected from across Alabama.

"We are thrilled to open our new Pesticide Residue and State Chemical Labs after over two years of construction," said Commissioner Rick Pate. "These facilities will play a critical role in safeguarding our food supply, supporting farmers and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards."

The Pesticide Residue Lab’s primary function is to protect the public health, by monitoring agricultural commodities for the presence of harmful pesticide residues. The lab provides an independent source of data and analytical expertise to expand the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) testing capacity.

The State Chemical Lab conducts the analytical testing portion of the department’s regulatory responsibility to enforce Alabama Law as it relates to feed, fertilizer and liming materials distributed in Alabama. The lab helps farmers rule out feed as a potential cause of illness by testing samples for harmful contaminants.

“The work of these Department of Agriculture and Industry labs is vital to protecting the health of all Alabamians by confirming fertilizer, feed and pesticide products used in state agriculture comply with legal safely levels. When it became apparent that the state needed a more modern testing facility to accomplish this important task, I was proud to push for funding approval and I am pleased to see the swift completion of this new laboratory building,” said Governor Kay Ivey.

In addition to the opening of the new building, the Pesticide Residue and State Chemical Labs accomplished the national ISO 17025:2017 accreditation. This achievement means that the laboratory has demonstrated they operate competently and generate valid results, promote confidence in their work both nationally and internationally. It took three-and-a-half years of work by the outstanding personnel at the labs to qualify and receive this national accreditation.

The new building is located at 1171 Wire Road Auburn, AL 36849.