Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries

In The News...

	Agriculture & Industries Commissioner Ron Sparks has issued an “Eat Local Challenge” in honor of National Farmers Market Week, August 3-9. Commissioner Sparks hopes that enjoying locally grown foods will encourage citizens to continue the healthy habit long after National Farmers Market Week is over. more... Enjoy Thursday's "Eat Local Challenge" Newsletter for tips on becoming a “localvore”
	Agriculture & Industries Commissioner Ron Sparks advises consumers that there are some measures they can take to help protect themselves from receiving “bad gas.” The Department inspectors have been extremely vigilant in their efforts to protect consumers from receiving bad gas, but there are some measures that consumers can take to help protect themselves and others. more...
	Agriculture & Industries Commissioner Ron Sparks was in Boaz to dedicate the Mitchem-Sparks State Diagnostic Laboratory. The new facility is a state-of-the-art livestock and poultry diagnostic lab including cutting-edge technology designed to protect citizens from disease and to provide timely alerts for possible human or animal disease concerns. more...
	The Alabama Farmers Market Authority (FMA) has launched a new Web-based program that provides Alabama farmers another outlet to sell locally grown produce. The program, titled "Farmer Connect," is part of the FMA’s Buy Fresh Buy Local campaign that encourages Alabamians to support local farmers. more...

Also...

Farm Fresh Produce!
	The 2008 Alabama U-Pick Directory is a guide to u-pick operations and agricultural tourism opportunities throughout the state. Visiting Alabama U-Pick farms is a family event that can be enjoyed all year long at these Alabama Farms.

Agriculture & Animal Protection

Animal Industries
Plant Industries
Ag Promotions
Ag Mediation
Ag Commodities

Food & Safety

Food Safety
Weights & Measures
Pesticide Management

Executive Division

Ag Compliance
Ag Law
International Trade
Investigations
Petro Commodities
State Veterinarian
SART

Publications

	Current Farmers Bulletin
	2008 Agriculture Directory

Alternative Fuels

Center For Alternative Fuels

Clean Corridor Initiative

Product Recalls - Aug 7th

Tyson Chicken

Frozen Chicken Sandwiches

Macaroni Salad

Drought Information

Hay Directory

General Drought Info

County Agents Directory

Take the "Eat Local Challenge!" For National Farmers Market Week

Eating "local" can be a real challenge in today’s society! With all of the fast pace and fast food, it is hard to slow down these days and recall how delicious fresh produce really is. The challenge of this week is to Shop, Eat and Enjoy foods only made in Alabama. The Department of Agriculture wants to make it easy for you to enjoy fresh, local produce and celebrate National Farmer's Market week. So enjoy this newsletter and those that follow to see just how easy it is to incorporate Alabama crops and foods into your life!

Product Spotlight

Mama Nems Food Products are made with pride in Thomaston, Alabama by the Alabama Rural Heritage Foundation. The Rural Heritage Foundation & Center began for the purpose of celebrating rural heritage and providing opportunities for cultural and economic development of rural citizens. “Mama Nems” is a unique line of green pepper jelly, red pepper jelly and watermelon rind pickles. All of these delicious food items are created from produce grown on-site in the Center’s garden and prepared in the Center’s kitchen. more...

In The Field
	A seed analyst from the Seed Lab Division is shown testing for germination to determine how well the seed grows. To protect consumers, the Seed Lab also does a purity test. The seeds then go under germination by temperature and then are separated to make sure the seeds are not bad. This test will show if the seeds are labeled correctly and ensure that the consumer will get what they pay for.

Sensational Summer Recipes
	The Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries supports Alabama owned, manufactured, grown or produced food products and encourages you to purchase Alabama produced foods. Help us support your fine Alabama food companies and the great people they employ by trying some of delicious recipes featuring Alabama products! more...