Commissioner Rick Pate Attended “A Great American Agriculture Celebration” at the White House

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (ADAI) Commissioner Rick Pate recently attended the “A Great American Agriculture Celebration” held on the South Lawn of the White House. He joined agricultural leaders, President Donald Trump and USDA Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins, farmers and industry representatives from across the country to recognize the vital role agriculture plays in feeding and fueling America.

“I was honored to attend the Great American Agriculture Celebration and represent Alabama’s hardworking farmers, foresters and producers,” said Commissioner Pate. “Agriculture is the backbone of our state and our nation, and events like this remind us of the importance of supporting the people who grow our food, fiber and forestry products every single day.”

The celebration highlighted the strength, resilience and innovation of American agriculture by honoring the farmers and producers whose work sustains the country.

Agriculture and forestry remain Alabama’s top industry, contributing $77.3 billion to the economy each year and supporting over 270,000 thousand jobs across rural and urban communities. The state is home to more than 38,000 farms covering roughly 8.6 million acres, producing a wide range of commodities including poultry, cattle, cotton, peanuts, timber and specialty crops. Alabama is also one of the most forested states in the nation, with more than 23 million acres of forestland.

“The men and women who work in agriculture deserve to be recognized for the essential role they play in our daily lives,” Commissioner Pate said. “From the farm to the dinner table, agriculture connects us all.”