MONTGOMERY– Alabama loggers could gain access to federal fuel assistance under a request from state Agriculture Commissioner Rick Pate.

The Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries, or ADAI, said Pate has formally asked the U.S. Department of Agriculture, or USDA, to include loggers. His request targets the $8 billion Harvest Fuel Relief Program.

Pate’s request seeks help for logging businesses facing higher diesel prices, increased operating costs, and market disruptions.

“Our loggers are essential to keeping this industry moving,” Pate said. “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.”

Diesel Costs Add Pressure to Logging Businesses

According to ADAI, Alabama’s average diesel price increased from $4.09 per gallon on Sept. 21, 2025, to $6.15 on Sept. 21, 2026.

That represents an increase of $2.06 per gallon over the comparison period.

In addition, ADAI reported approximately 1,500 logging operations statewide that harvest and deliver timber for forest products. Those products include lumber, paper, and other wood-based materials.

ADAI also cited approximately 23 million acres of timberland and more than 123,000 jobs supported by Alabama’s forestry sector. Pate put the industry’s annual contribution to the state’s economy at more than $37.5 billion.

As a result, he said fuel assistance would support businesses connected to thousands of Alabama families and rural communities.

What USDA Has Announced

The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced the Harvest Fuel Relief Program on Oct. 19. The program provides for one-time payments to farmers facing increased input costs and market disruptions during the 2026 crop year.

USDA said its Farm Service Agency will administer the assistance. Payments will cover a portion of modeled losses using a uniform formula.

In addition, the department said payment rates for major program commodities would be released in November. Payment methods for other eligible commodities would follow later.

However, Pate’s announcement requests participation for loggers; it does not announce approved payments for logging operations.

Supporting Alabama’s Forest Products Supply Chain

ADAI said it works with the Alabama Forestry Commission and the Alabama Forestry Association. Together, the partners address challenges affecting forest landowners, loggers, and forest products businesses.

Those efforts also focus on supporting forestry and rural economies.

Meanwhile, Pate is urging USDA to recognize loggers’ role in the agricultural and forest products supply chains. He also asked the department to give the request serious consideration.

STATE NEWS