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FARMERS SHARE FOOD AND DISCUSS PRIORITIES DURING LEGISLATIVE RECEPTION
 | Limestone County honey producer Lionel Evans, right, serves Gov. Robert Bentley a scoop of honey and pecans over ice cream at the "Taste of Alabama" legislative reception, hosted by the Alabama Farmers Federation.
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MONTGOMERY, Ala., - State leaders taste-tested Alabama foods served by farmers from around the state during the Alabama Farmers Federation’s annual “Taste of Alabama” legislative reception Feb. 6. More than 150 Federation leaders joined state legislators, constitutional officers and judges for the event at the organization's home office in Montgomery.
Leaders gained a better appreciation for Alabama agriculture and heard directly from farmers about their greatest concerns at the reception.
“The reception is a highlight of the year,” said Federation President Jimmy Parnell. “It’s a great opportunity for our farmers to share the wonderful food they produce, and it allows them to speak one-on-one with state leaders who are shaping agricultural laws and policies.”
Gov. Robert Bentley, First Lady Dianne Bentley, Lt. Gov. Kay Ivey, 25 state senators, 78 state representatives and other elected officials spent time with Federation leaders and state board members during the event.
"I look forward to this every year,” said Alabama Speaker of the House Mike Hubbard, R-Auburn. “Agriculture is such an important part of our state and our economy. It really is showcased by having the Taste of Alabama. But the best part is seeing the people from all counties of the state.”
Attendees sampled pecans from Whaley’s Pecan Company in Troy, organic milk from Jan and Rinske de Jong’s Working Cows Dairy in Slocomb, pork barbecue from Bishop’s Barbecue in Cherokee and grits from Joe and Patty Lambrecht’s Oakview Farms Granary in Wetumpka. The Alabama Peanut Producers provided peanuts and the Alabama Bee and Honey Producers served honey.
Additional offerings included roast beef, catfish, fried chicken, goat, lamb, squash, fried green tomatoes, cornbread, collards, sweet potato fries, ice cream and fruit cobblers.
Other state officials in attendance included Secretary of State Beth Chapman, State Treasurer Young Boozer, Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries John McMillan, Public Service Commissioner Jeremy Oden and State School Board members Stephanie Bell and Tracy Roberts. Judges attending the reception included Supreme Court Justices Michael Bolin, Tom Parker, Kelly Wise and Tommy Bryan; Civil Appeals Court Judge Scott Donaldson; and Criminal Appeals Court Judges Mary Becker Windom, Beth Kellum, Liles Burke and Michael Joiner.
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