MONTGOMERY, Ala. – The Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (ADAI) Commissioner Rick Pate has formally requested that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) allow loggers to participate in the already approved $8 billion Harvest Fuel Relief (HFR) Program to help offset rising fuel costs and provide relief to Alabama’s logging industry.

“The forestry industry is Alabama’s largest industry, contributing more than $37.5 billion annually to our state’s economy. Our loggers are essential to keeping this industry moving,” said Alabama Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries Rick Pate. “With diesel prices rising and operating costs putting additional pressure on their businesses, we need to make sure these hardworking men and women are not overlooked. Including loggers in the Harvest Fuel Relief Program would provide meaningful assistance to an industry that supports thousands of Alabama families and rural communities.”

The rising cost of diesel fuel has placed additional pressure on logging businesses already navigating increased input costs and market disruptions. From September 21, 2025, to September 21, 2026, the average price of diesel fuel in Alabama increased significantly from $4.09 to $6.15 per gallon. Alabama has approximately 23 million acres of timberland, supporting more than 123,000 jobs that depend on the state’s approximately 1,500 logging operations. These operations harvest and deliver the timber needed to produce essential forest products, including lumber, paper and other wood-based materials.

ADAI works closely with the Alabama Forestry Commission and the Alabama Forestry Association to support the state’s forestry industry, strengthen rural economies and address challenges facing forest landowners, loggers and forest product businesses. These partnerships ensure Alabama’s forestry sector remains competitive and continues to provide economic opportunities throughout the state.

The request emphasizes the importance of recognizing loggers as an essential part of the nation’s agricultural and forest products supply chains and ensuring they have access to assistance intended to help producers manage rising input costs. Commissioner Pate encourages USDA to give this request serious consideration.