Brian Hardin, director of agricultural legislation for the Alabama Farmers Federation, has been named to the position of assistant director of Commodity and Governmental Affairs. He began his new duties Feb. 1. This new department will have the responsibility for commodity education, promotion, and national and state agriculture program areas.Hardin’s promotion was announced Jan. 25 to the Federation Board of Directors by Paul Pinyan, who assumed the duties of executive director Feb. 1.”Brian is a man of integrity and is well prepared to lead the legislative efforts of the Federation,” Pinyan said. “Since he joined our organization, he has gained experience and earned the respect of our members. Additionally, he has won the confidence of our state lawmakers and regulatory agencies. He is a true advocate for agriculture.”Hardin said he’s looking forward to the challenges of his new job.”This position will be an exciting new opportunity and will allow us to streamline the efforts of governmental affairs on behalf of our members,” Hardin said. “Bringing together the Governmental Affairs Department and the Commodity Department, we expect this to provide more opportunity for our commodity staff in the legislative process.”Hardin, a native of Moulton in Lawrence County, joined the Federation staff in April 2000 as director of the organization’s Pork and Horticulture and Greenhouse, Nursery & Sod Divisions.Hardin is a graduate of Auburn University with a master’s degree in horticulture. Prior to working for the Federation, he was employed by Dow AgroSciences in Bradenton, Fla.He lives in Wetumpka with his wife, Kelli, daughter Emma (10) and sons Judd (8) and Jake (three months).