By Maggie Edwards

The Alabama Farmers Federation’s grassroots efforts thrived during the organization’s annual Taste of Alabama legislative reception Feb. 19 in Montgomery. 

Almost 200 legislators, elected officials and farmer-leaders gathered for Alabama-grown food, fellowship and one-on-one conversations about issues facing Alabama agriculture. 

The intentional atmosphere stood out for farmers like Randolph County’s Levi Noles. 

“This event brings to life the fact that Alfa is a grassroots organization,” said Noles, an agriscience educator at Central High School of Clay County. “This shows farmers that they have a voice and can bring issues to a level where it becomes a matter that gets addressed.” 

As the Federation Wildlife Committee chairman, Noles’ role was to serve quail and biscuits to lawmakers during the event. He worked alongside two of his FFA chapter officers.  

It was eye-opening for Clay County’s Aiden and Bence Upchurch, Noles said. 

“It showed them that farmers have a place to share issues that are near to them,” Noles said. “The Upchurch brothers are being raised on a farm. This allowed them to see that people at the legislative level resonate with us.” 

Sen. Josh Carnley, R-Ino, agreed.

“I like to talk farming,” said Carnley, who grew up on a row crop, cattle and poultry farm in Coffee County. “Working on the farm made me who I am. I have a special place in my heart for the ag industry and for the young people who are coming into it. We have to encourage young people and give an incentive to come back to farm.” 

For Carnley, it’s all about working close with constituents and understanding their personal experiences. 

“Hearing it from the people who make up the industry is important to lawmakers,” Carnley said. “This year the Federation has a lot going on in the legislative session with Alfa Health Plans legislation.” 

Alfa Health Plans was an important conversation among farmers and legislators like Rep. Kerry “Bubba” Underwood, R-Tuscumbia.

“I came to listen,” said Underwood, who values agricultural life. “If my counties ask me to focus on certain things, then I do. I understand what Alfa is trying to do with the Alfa Health Plans.”

Learning and listening was a common theme for Taste of Alabama. 

Rep. Pebblin Warren, D-Tuskegee, said it’s the best opportunity to talk directly with farmers. She added the reception’s focus on Alabama home cooking was refreshing. 

“Speaking with farmers first-hand helps us get it straight, so if we had to get on the floor and talk about the industry, we could,” Warren said. “If we don’t have our farmers, we don’t have anything.” 

In addition to legislators, the Federation welcomed Gov. Kay Ivey and other constitutional officers, as well as Alabama Supreme Court justices, appellate judges and members of the Alabama State Board of Education and Public Service Commission. 

This year’s menu included: heirloom corn grits from Bayou Cora Farms, Baldwin County; pulled pork from Bishop’s Barbecue, Colbert County; hanger steak from Perdido River Meats, Escambia County; U.S. farm-raised catfish from Consolidated Catfish, Greene County; grilled peanut butter and jelly sandwiches from the Alabama Peanut Producers Association, Houston County; pecans from Priester’s Pecans, Lowndes County; honey from Choctaw Bee Company, Geneva County; ice cream from Blue Bell Creameries, Talladega County; quail and biscuits from Federation Wildlife Committee member Bob Plaster; and more.