Farmers, legislators attend annual Taste of Alabama event

Friday's reception was a chance to remind the legislators of the importance of Alabama farming.
Friday's reception was a chance to remind the legislators of the importance of Alabama farming. | File photo

Alabama Farmers Federation members gathered with Alabama legislators at the annual Taste of Alabama reception on Friday night to eat Alabama-grown food and mingle. 

Legislators featured at the reception included Lt. Gov. Kay Ivey, Agriculture Commissioner John McMillan, State Treasurer Young Boozer, state school board members, several state judges and dozens of Alabama state senators and representatives.

For the farmers, it was a chance to remind the legislators of the importance of Alabama farming.

“Several legislators and other state leaders have told me they attend lots of receptions, but this is one of their favorites,” Alabama Farmers Federation President Jimmy Parnell said. “The food is good, and the leaders of this organization are gracious hosts. Besides the food our farmers serve to legislators, this time also allows them to discuss important issue with our lawmakers.”

For state Rep. David Faulkner (R-Mountain Brook), it was an eye-opening experience because his district is an urban area with few farms but he was reminded how important the agricultural industry -- the top industry in Alabama -- is to everyone in the state.

“I have very little farmland in my district — if any — but I know how important farming is to the state’s economy,” Faulkner said. “What our farmers do, the jobs they provide and the product and service they provide to all of us is important. I didn’t grow up on a farm and I don’t own a farm, but I understand and appreciate farmers because I love to eat.”