Alabama agriculture commissioner asks USDA to include loggers in fuel relief program

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WTVM) - Alabama Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries Rick Pate has formally asked the U.S. Department of Agriculture to allow loggers to participate in the already approved $8 billion Harvest Fuel Relief Program. The request is intended to help offset rising fuel costs for Alabama’s logging industry.Request to USDA“The forestry industry is Alabama’s largest industry, contributing more than $37.5 billion annually to our state’s economy. Our loggers are essential to keeping this industry moving,” Pate said. “With diesel prices rising and operating costs putting additional pressure on their businesses, we need to make sure these hardworking men and women are not overlooked. Including loggers in the Harvest Fuel Relief Program would provide meaningful assistance to an industry that supports thousands of Alabama families and rural communities.”The request emphasizes the importance of recognizing loggers as part of the nation’s agricultural and forest products supply