By Tanner Hood 

Alabama Farmers Federation members clad in cowboy hats, boots and well-starched jeans filled State House halls this spring to promote and defend the organization’s top legislative priority — Alfa Health Plans. 

These grassroots efforts were key to successfully passing Alfa Health Plans legislation, said Federation External Affairs Department Director Brian Hardin. 

“This bill is important for the survival of some family farms, and our members showed lawmakers just how important it is by being there for every public hearing, committee vote and floor vote,” Hardin said. “The continuous calls, texts and visits to legislators were essential to driving this across the finish line.” 

Alfa Health Plans legislation will allow the Federation to offer affordable health coverage as a member-benefit option for those who qualify. HB 477 was carried in the House by Rep. David Faulkner, R-Mountain Brook, and in the Senate by Sen. Arthur Orr, R-Decatur.

HB 477 was signed into law May 7 by Gov. Kay Ivey. The Federation intends to implement Alfa Health Plans this year. 

Federation President Jimmy Parnell expressed gratitude to the governor and legislators for their support. 

“We thank Gov. Ivey for signing this important legislation into law,” Parnell said. “Farmers and other small business owners face incredible challenges when it comes to health coverage. The Federation is excited to help members address soaring health care costs by providing an option through Alfa Health Plans.”

Alabama is the 11th state to sign health plan legislation into law — thanks to member engagement, Hardin said. This included farmers from across the state who shared stories about why they need Alfa Health Plans in videos, through articles and at public hearings.

Another grassroots success included passing legislation to modify the cap on the assessment for the cotton checkoff.  

Supported by the Federation’s State Cotton Committee, the Alabama Cotton Commission (ACC) requested to increase the cap from $1 to $1.30 per bale to help promote Alabama-grown products and improve markets. The legislation was sponsored by Rep. Danny Crawford, R-Athens, and Sen. Josh Carnley, R-Ino. 

Madison County farmer and ACC Chairman Mike Tate said passing the legislation was vital for the checkoff to overcome inflation and increased costs’ effect on research, education and promotion. The ACC does not plan to increase the cost over $1, though Tate said the flexibility was important. 

“We needed this authorization from the legislature to continue operating the cotton checkoff successfully,” Tate said. “This was very important to Alabama cotton growers, and we appreciate Sen. Carnley and Rep. Crawford for their continued support.” 

The Federation also monitored a number of successful bills, including requirements for weighing log trucks and the use of portable scales, immigration enforcement and deer breeder property rights. 

Other legislative milestones included passing record budgets, a reduction in the grocery sales tax from 3% to 2%, pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) reform and the RAISE Act to target areas of need for increased funding in public schools.