In The News...  | Commissioner Ron Sparks urges Alabamians to visit their local farmers market this summer. “There have been rumors circulating that farmers markets are being closed down around the state,” said Sparks. “Rumors like that hurt our farmers and cost them business during their peak season. Not only have markets not been shut down, we have had an increase in the last seven years...” more... |  | Commissioner Ron Sparks and State Conservationist Dr. William E. Puckett announced that USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) will work with farmers, ranchers, and other landowners to develop and enhance habitat for birds. Under the Migratory Bird Habitat Initiative, NRCS will partner with producers to manage portions of their land to provide additional food and habitat for migrating birds. more... |  | The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is warning consumers about a potentially harmful product represented as “Generic Tamiflu” sold over the Internet. FDA tests revealed that the fraudulent product does not contain Tamiflu’s active ingredient, oseltamivir, but an ingredient in the same class of antibiotics as penicillin. more... |  | Commissioner Ron Sparks asked President Barack Obama to implement immediate changes to the way the Gulf Coast oil spill is being handled and protect working Alabamians. Sparks called for BP to stop dragging its feet on claims and wants to look into alternative ways to clean up the spill. more... |
Alabama In The National Spotlight
Federal Inspection Opens Opportunities for Alabama ProducersWhile Alabama has not been a large state in terms of sheep population, new ideas and marketing opportunities, both revolving around federally inspected processing, might soon change that. more...
| Farm Fresh Produce! | | The 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. |
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| Delicious Alabama Recipes! |  | Make a visit to the State Farmers' Market to pick up fresh ingredients for these recipes! Our recipes feature ingredients or products made, produced or headquartered in Alabama. By using Alabama ingredients, you support Alabama’s economy. more... |
| Product Spotlight |  | Any connoisseur of barbecue can agree that the best sauces usually come from a humble origin. Experimentation in backyards and in kitchens across the Deep South combined with a passion for cooking and family gatherings consistently produce the most memorable tastes more... |
| In The Field |  | Kenny Pike, an Inspector for Pesticide Management and Testing, is shown doing an Agricultural Worker Protection Standard (WPS). The WPS is developed for agriculture workers that use agriculture pesticides or who are exposed to pesticides. According to regulations issued by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, handlers must receive training before they do any task that requires handling of pesticides. The regulations cover pesticides that are used in the production of agricultural plants on farms, forests, nurseries, and greenhouses. This reduces the risk of pesticide related illness and injury. |
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