WASHINGTON – A pair of Alabama’s congressional representatives are combining to help farmers in the state and provide another option for health-conscious seniors.
Through their bipartisan, bicameral Farmers’ Market Expansion Act, Sen. Tommy Tuberville and Rep. Barry Moore are working to boost Alabama’s agriculture community and make healthy foods more accessible for Alabama’s more than 54,000 seniors.
Tuberville (R-Auburn) reintroduced the bill in the Senate with Sen. Ben Luján (D-N.M.). AgriPulse first reported its introduction.
Moore (R-Enterprise) joined Rep. Gabe Vasquez (D-N.M.) is leading companion legislation in the House.
“The Farmers’ Market Expansion Act would be a huge win for both our seniors and tree nut farmers by making it easier for seniors to incorporate pecans into their diet,” said Tuberville (R-Auburn). “Not only are pecans delicious, but they are a great source of nutrients needed for brain, bone, and heart health. I’m proud to introduce this legislation with Congressman Moore to support Alabama’s farmers and Americans seeking healthier lives.
“As Alabama’s voice on the Senate Ag Committee, I’ll continue advocating for Alabama’s farmers and bringing important ag and nutritional priorities to the table.”
Common tree nuts are considered almonds, hazelnuts, macadamia nuts, pecans, pistachios, and walnuts. With this legislation, these tree nuts would be eligible for the SFMNP.
“Adding tree nuts, especially shelled pecans, to the Seniors’ Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program benefits Alabama producers and seniors,” said Moore (R-Enterprise). “Pecans are an important part of Alabama’s agriculture, and we are hopeful this legislation creates competitive markets for our tree nut producers.
“I am proud to work alongside Senator Tuberville to deliver this much needed legislation for Alabama’s farmers and the American people.”
The Farmers’ Market Expansion Act is endorsed by the National Pecan Federation, Southeastern Pecan Growers Association, Almond Alliance, American Pistachio Growers, California Walnut Commission, Alabama Pecan Growers Association, Alabama Department of Agriculture & Industries, Alabama Farmers Federation, Alabama Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association.
“The attention to the pecan industry in Alabama continues to grow,” said Brian Futral, president of the Alabama Pecan Growers Association. “The opportunity for pecans to be added to the Senior Market Nutrition Program would be a huge win for Alabama growers.
“The pecan nut has the highest amount of antioxidants of any tree. The fit here is a benefit to all open additional market for growers provide high quality nutrition for seniors. Thank you, Coach, for your focus and commitment to Alabama Farmers,”
The SFMNP provides fresh, nutritious, locally-grown fruits, vegetables, herbs, and honey to eligible low-income seniors. Seniors must be 60 years of age or older and have a household income of no more than 185% of the federal poverty level.
Eligible seniors can exchange coupons for program products at farmers’ markets, roadside stands, and community-supported agriculture programs. According to the USDA, there are more than 54,000 eligible seniors in Alabama.
Alabama is the No. 8 pecan producer in the country. Growers across the state harvested approximately 3 million pounds across 9,000 pecan-bearing acres in 2022. According to the 2022 Census of Agriculture, Alabama had over 762 producers who harvested 7,276 pecan-bearing acres.
“I’m grateful to Senator Tuberville for reintroducing the Farmers Market Expansion Act,” said Alabama Department of Agriculture & Industries Commissioner Rick Pate. “Alabama is home to 170 farmers markets and 114 farm stands that would benefit from adding tree nuts to the Seniors’ Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program.
“Adding pecans to this program would provide our seniors with another healthy choice in addition to fresh produce, while also supporting Alabama’s hardworking pecan growers. This would be a win for our farmers, for our seniors and for Alabama agriculture.”
Don’t miss out!  Subscribe to our email newsletter to have all our smart stories delivered to your inbox.
