Commissioner Rick Pate declares March 19 as National Agriculture Trade Day in Alabama

Alabama Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries Rick Pate has declared March 19 as National Agriculture Trade Day in Alabama, in recognition of the significant contribution agriculture trade makes to the state’s economy, farmers and communities. Commissioner Pate is currently serving as the Southern United States Trade Association Board president. SUSTA is a non-profit organization that facilitates trade of food and agricultural products between southern U.S. companies and overseas importers to enhance the economic well-being of the southern region.

In celebration of National Agriculture Trade Day, the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries recognizes farmers and related agricultural businesses and the role they play in feeding the world.

Alabama agricultural producers are among the most productive and play a vital role in food security both here and abroad. Agriculture is the backbone of Alabama’s economy, contributing $77.3 billion. Alabama ranks 2nd in the nation for catfish production, 4th in broiler production and 5th in peanut production.

Agricultural exports provide significant support to Alabama’s rural communities, generating jobs, driving innovation, and connecting local producers to global markets. According to the most recent statistics, Alabama exported $1.7 billion in domestic agricultural exports abroad. 

Alabama’s 23 million acres of commercially available timberland give Alabama the third greatest timberland acreage of the lower 48 states and these forests cover 71 percent of the state’s land area. In 2023, $1.4 billion of forest products were exported.

Commissioner Pate described the unique contribution that international trade in agriculture plays in the state in the text of the declaration, noting that “enhancement of trade relations and the development of new trade agreements are vital for the continued growth and success of Alabama’s agricultural sector.”

In honor of National Agriculture Trade Day in Alabama, citizens are encouraged to visit www.agi.alabama.gov to learn about food and agriculture in the state, www.FeedingtheEconomy.com to learn more about the role food and agriculture plays in our state and national economy and www.FarmersforFreeTrade.com to learn more about the role trade plays in supporting farmers in Alabama and across the nation.

The full text of Commissioner Pate’s proclamation declaring March 19th as National Agriculture Trade Day in Alabama is below.

PROCLAMATION

WHEREAS, Alabama farmers are global leaders in productivity who successfully provide food and fiber for the world and drive our state’s economy; and

WHEREAS, Alabama total exports of $1.7 billion support thousands of jobs in food and agriculture and related supply chain sectors; and

WHEREAS, Alabama forest product exports total $1.4 billion and forests cover 71% of the Alabama’s land area; and

WHEREAS, Alabama’s thriving agriculture sector provides jobs across our state, not just for farmers, but for scientists, processors, shippers, truckers and retailers; and  

WHEREAS, Alabama stands as a leader in agricultural production and exports in the United States, providing a vast array of products that are critical both domestically and internationally; and

WHEREAS, Alabama’s leading agriculture exports include broilers, cotton, soybeans and other plant and animal products; and

WHEREAS, enhancement of trade relations and development of new trade agreements are vital for the continued growth and success of Alabama’s agricultural sector; and 

WHEREAS, it is imperative to raise awareness among consumers, businesses and policymakers about the challenges and opportunities facing agricultural trade;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, I, Rick Pate, Commissioner of the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries, do hereby proclaim March 19, 2025, as National Agriculture Trade Day in the State of Alabama.