MONTGOMERY, Ala. - The Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (ADAI) recently received reports of “unsolicited” seeds being delivered to residents across the state through the United States Postal Service (USPS). The seeds reported were identified as tomato and onion seeds and tested negative for harmful compounds. This practice is known as agricultural smuggling. It is the illegal import or export of agricultural products, including plants, animals, food, and related goods, without proper authorization or in violation of regulations. “We urge all residents... read more ❯

Agriculture and forestry provide the building blocks of society — food, fiber and timber. They also contribute a massive amount to Alabama’s economy to the tune of $77.3 billion annually, making agriculture and forestry one of the top industries in the state. That number was among data included in the “Agriculture & Forestry Grow Alabama: An Economic Contribution Study,” released today during a press conference hosted by the Alabama Agribusiness Council at the RSA Plaza Terrace in downtown Montgomery. The report also... read more ❯

Montgomery, AL – Today, Alabama Agriculture Commissioner Rick Pate unveiled the state’s "Thank a Farmer" initiative during a press conference held at Ravello Ristorante in Montgomery. The new campaign aims to increase public appreciation for farmers and raise awareness about where our food comes from. The event also featured remarks from key community leaders, including Ravello’s Chef Nicholas Wyatt, local produce farmer Kelvin Anderson, and State Senator Will Barfoot. “Through the ‘Thank a Farmer’ initiative, we’re encouraging Alabamians to show more gratitude for the food they enjoy and the people who grow... read more ❯

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – The Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (ADAI) is accepting grant applications for projects that enhance the competitiveness of U.S. specialty crops in foreign and domestic markets. The application deadline for these specialty crop block grants through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is March 20, 2025, 5:00 p.m. CST. Specialty crops are defined by USDA as fruits and vegetables, dried fruit, tree nuts, horticulture (including maple syrup and honey) and nursery crops (including floriculture). Commodity groups, agricultural... read more ❯

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Farmers across the state and nation are facing historic economic hardships. Record inflation, high input costs, high interest rates and low prices for several agricultural commodities could force many farms out of business or cause them to choose to no longer farm in 2025, if federal action is not taken by the U.S. Congress. “Our row crop farmers in Alabama are encountering immense financial pressure under high input costs, increased interest rates and struggling commodity markets,” said Alabama... read more ❯

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Today, Alabama Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries Rick Pate announced that USDA Secretary Thomas J. Vilsack has designated three Alabama counties as primary natural disaster areas due to a recent drought. Nine additional counties were listed as contiguous disaster counties. “The drought hit famers in this part of the state during the peak of growing season. We hope this disaster relief from USDA will ease some of the financial burdens,” said Commissioner Pate. “We encourage farmers to reach... read more ❯

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) today announced it has partnered with Alabama to award $5.9 million for six projects through the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure (RFSI) program to build resilience across the middle of the supply chain and strengthen local and regional food systems. "Since the COVID-19 pandemic, prioritizing this project has been essential for Alabama. Before its official launch, I reached out to USDA to emphasize Alabama's need for funding to strengthen... read more ❯

Montgomery, Ala. - The Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (ADAI) is working to assist farmers who suffered catastrophic losses caused by Hurricane Helene. Torrential rains, exceeding many rainfall records, devasted crops, livestock operations and infrastructure. “We know it will take a long time for these farmers to recover,” said Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries Rick Pate. “Alabama farmers have proven their generosity and willingness to help in the past. We encourage them to reach out to one of these relief... read more ❯