The Alabama Farmers Federation congratulated Attorney General Luther Strange on his appointment as U.S. Senator for Alabama Feb. 9.

“Attorney General Strange is a strong defender of the law and has already shown leadership at the national level by pushing back against regulatory overreach,” said Federation President Jimmy Parnell. “Alabama farmers have enjoyed a close working relationship with Luther for 20 years, and we look forward to helping him address the needs of rural Alabama as U.S. senator.”

Prior to being elected attorney general in 2010, Strange was in private practice in Birmingham. Among his clients were greenhouse, nursery and sod growers whom he advised related to water restrictions during severe drought.

One of Strange’s last speaking engagements prior to his Senate appointment was the Federation’s Commodity Organizational Meeting Feb. 7 in Montgomery. He spoke to 300 farmers about his optimism that Congress and the Trump administration will bring fiscal and regulatory reforms to help hard working Americans.

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.

“Luther Strange values the rule of law and understands the importance of America’s separation of powers,” Parnell said. “When the courts and federal agencies attempted to make law that went beyond what’s allowed by the legislative branch or constitution, he stood in the gap. We look forward to working with Sen. Strange on issues important to our members.”

The special election for the U.S. Senate seat will take place in 2018.