Alabama agriculture commissioner seeks USDA inclusion of loggers in fuel relief
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBRC) - The Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries is advocating for the U.S. Department of Agriculture to extend federal fuel relief to loggers.
Rick Pate, Agriculture and Industries Commissioner, highlights the challenges loggers face due to the high diesel prices. Alabama's diesel prices reached a record of $6.16 per gallon in September, according to AAA, and currently average $5.86, a significant increase from a year ago.
The logging industry significantly contributes to Alabama's economy, valued at approximately $12.5 billion annually, as per the Alabama A&M and Auburn universities extension program. Moreover, over 123,000 jobs are supported by the state's roughly 1,500 logging operations.
In October, the USDA announced an $8 billion harvest fuel relief program for farmers, and Pate is pushing for loggers to be included in this initiative. He emphasizes the constant high diesel consumption of loggers, who operate heavy trucks with low gears throughout the year.
The USDA has yet to confirm if loggers will be included in the upcoming payment rates for farm crops.