By Marlee Jackson

From heirloom grits grown on the Gulf Coast to pulled pork smoked in the Tennessee Valley, decision-makers savored a taste of agriculture during the Alabama Farmers Federation’s annual legislative reception Jan. 21.

The real refreshment, however, came during conversations with Alabama farmers. Sen. Will Barfoot, R-Pike Road, said breaking bread with producers is a highlight of the busy legislative session.

“There are lots of reasons to enjoy the Taste of Alabama,” said Barfoot, who serves on the Senate Ag Committee. “You get to see people you don’t get to see as often as you’d like. You get to meet people from other parts of the state who are enthusiastic…and proud of the ag we have in Alabama. Lastly, I love the food. It’s great. You get samplings of everything from steak to catfish to quail. There are so many things to enjoy, and the fellowship is wonderful.”

The annual event followed the Federation’s Alabama FarmPAC meeting, where farmers from all 67 counties gathered to review polls and make game plans to push endorsed candidates across the finish line during the May 19 primary election.

Farmers mingled with FarmPAC-endorsed candidates during the reception at the Federation home office. A hearty crowd of statewide leaders, agency heads, judges, senators and representatives attended, following a busy day in downtown Montgomery.

All seven constitutional officers, including Gov. Kay Ivey, were among those in attendance.

Chatter abounded as guests moved throughout the reception, fellowshipping with old and new friends while congregating around serving stations piled high with Alabama-grown and -produced food.

The evening’s savory spread included hanger steak from Perdido River Meats in Escambia County; heirloom grits from Bayou Cora Farms in Baldwin County; quail and biscuits courtesy of Bob Plaster in Lee County; catfish from Consolidated Catfish Producers in Greene County; and Bishop’s Barbecue from Colbert County.

Sweet treats were Blue Bell ice cream made in Talladega County; honey from Choctaw Bee Co. in Geneva County; pecan goodies from Priester’s Pecans in Lowndes County; and grilled peanut butter and jelly sandwiches provided by the Alabama Peanut Producers Association (APPA).

Rep. Paul Lee, R-Dothan, said he was proud to see a packed crowd around APPA’s table.

“Being from the Wiregrass and the Peanut Capital of the World, I’m a little biased thinking that’s the best,” said Lee, who chairs the House Health Committee. “That’s where the biggest crowd was. I had to elbow in there to get a peanut butter sandwich!”

Lee grew up on his family’s diversified farm in Houston County and raised cattle before entering the political arena. He hailed Alabama’s hard-working farmers, sharing his appreciation for the chance to catch up during the reception.

“If you want to be a farmer today, you want to be a farmer,” Lee said. “There’s no question about that. They’re going to have troubles, and they’re going to have obstacles. They’re so valuable to us, and we need to make sure they have the ability to (farm).”