FarmPAC, a political action committee of the Alabama Farmers Federation, endorsed Sen. Luther Strange as U.S. Senator for Alabama May 22.

“Sen. Strange has proven his commitment to Alabama farmers and forest owners by seeking and securing appointment to the Agriculture Committee and continuing the fight against regulatory overreach,” said Federation President Jimmy Parnell. “Alabama farmers have enjoyed a close working relationship with Sen. Strange, and we look forward to helping him address the needs of rural Alabama as U.S. senator.”

FarmPAC advisory trustees recommended the endorsement after hearing presentations from 11 of the 19 candidates seeking the office.

The special primary election for the U.S. Senate seat will take place Aug. 15, 2017. If needed, runoffs will be Sept. 26. The general election is Dec. 12.

Strange thanked Federation leaders for their endorsement.

“It’s an honor to receive this endorsement from Alabama Farmers Federation and the Alabamians they represent,” Strange said. “These are the hard-working people who clothe us and feed us, create jobs in our communities, and keep our economy thriving. It’s a privilege to be their voice in Washington as I serve on the Agriculture Committee, and I look forward to continuing to defend their rights against federal overreach as we roll back the job-destroying red tape from the Obama administration.”

Before election as Alabama's attorney general in 2010, Strange was in private law practice in Birmingham. Among his clients were greenhouse, nursery and sod growers whom he advised related to water restrictions during severe drought.

As attorney general, Strange vigorously defended Alabama’s property tax system, including current-use classification for farms and forestland. He also was a vocal opponent of the Environmental Protection Agency’s Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule, challenging the measure in court.

“Agriculture is Alabama’s No. 1 industry, and it is important to have a senator on the Ag Committee,” said Parnell. “Sen. Strange will play a pivotal role in the design of the next farm bill and will also be in a strong position to advance other policies that benefit farmers, consumers and Alabama as a whole.”

Alabama Farmers Federation is the state’s largest farm organization with more than 357,000 member families. Founded in 1921, the organization is a member of the American Farm Bureau Federation.