MONTGOMERY, Ala. – The Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries’ (ADAI) Commissioner Rick Pate and ADAI staff presented two checks, totaling $1.3 million, to two Alabama farms through ADAI's Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure (RFSI) Program. Through the USDA RFSI funds, Boozer Farms and J. Durbin Farms will be able to continue their efforts to strengthen Alabama’s local food supply and reduce waste in the state’s agricultural system. Boozer Farms was awarded around $719,000, and J. Durbin Farms received around $644,000. They... read more ❯

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – The Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (ADAI) Commissioner Rick Pate has issued a formal notice of intent to suspend Hansen-Mueller Co.’s grain dealer license after the company failed to pay Alabama producers for grain delivered on its behalf. In recent weeks, ADAI was contacted by several concerned Alabama grain producers who reported missing payments from the company. After communication with Hansen-Mueller Co., ADAI confirmed that around 17 Alabama producers were currently owed payment, in addition to farmers... read more ❯

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (ADAI) food safety inspectors are conducting recall effectiveness checks on all batches of ByHeart Whole Nutrition Infant Formula cans and Anywhere Pack™ nationwide as they may be contaminated and are making infants sick with infant botulism. “ADAI is working closely with the Alabama Department of Public Health, CDC and FDA to be sure all remaining products are removed from store shelves,” said Agriculture and Industries Commissioner Rick Pate. “The health and safety... read more ❯

MONTGOMERY, Ala. - USDA has awarded the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (ADAI) $519,000 to fund projects that strengthen Alabama’s specialty crop industry through the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP). The program will fund 14 projects to enhance competitiveness of specialty crop growers by using marketing, education and research for Alabama’s specialty crop industry. “Since I became Commissioner in 2019, the specialty crop industry including fruits, vegetables, tree nuts and nursery crops has grown tremendously. We’re proud of the... read more ❯

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – The Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries’ (ADAI) Commissioner Rick Pate and ADAI staff presented a $165,000 check to Extreme Green Farms through ADAI's Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure (RFSI) Program. Through the USDA RFSI funds, Extreme Green Farms will be able to store lettuces more efficiently and transport in a timely manner across the state, supporting both local retailers and school systems. Extreme Green Farms, a family-owned and operated hydroponic farm in Auburn, Ala., is redefining local agriculture... read more ❯

MONTGOMERY, Ala. - Governor Kay Ivey has proclaimed October as Farm to School Month in Alabama, celebrating the vital connection between local farmers, schools and students. Since October of 2020, the Alabama Farm to School Program has been given $1.595 million from the State legislature for the Farm to School incentive program. Since then, schools have spent $3,724,315 purchasing from Alabama farmers, and they have served 8,504,382 meals featuring Alabama products. "We are proud to see Alabama students enjoying fresh, locally grown... read more ❯

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Alabama is proud to play a leading role in the America250: A Call for the Great American State Fair. Today, Alabama Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries Rick Pate issued an individual proclamation for the Alabama National Fair, emphasizing its role in the nationwide celebration. Commissioner Pate was among the first state agricultural leaders in the country to issue a proclamation recognizing the historic 250th celebration. “I recognize the Alabama National Fair’s longstanding commitment to honor agriculture, showcase livestock and... read more ❯

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Alabama Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries Rick Pate announced that USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins has designated 25 Alabama counties as primary natural disaster areas due to loss caused by excessive rainfall from May 1 through June 30, 2025. Fourteen additional counties were listed as contiguous disaster counties. “The excessive rain during this year’s planting season impacted over half of Alabama’s counties, causing delays or preventing planting altogether,” said Commissioner Pate. “We recognize the hardships our farmers have faced... read more ❯