Harvesting growth.
Producing innovation.
Alabama’s agriculture and food products sector is not only a vital part of our state’s heritage but also a key driver of the state’s economic future — particularly in its rural areas. Since early 2022, over 50 growth projects in the sector have launched in Alabama, paving the way for more than $2.1 billion in new investment and creating over 1,500 jobs. This growth, much of it taking place in rural regions, underscores Alabama’s competitive advantage as a premier location for food production and agricultural innovation.
8.3M
acres of farmland
No. 3
in U.S. peanut production
$700M+
agriculture & food
exports in 2023
400+
food & beverage
production establishments
Massive scale
Alabama’s expansive agricultural terrain covers over 8 million acres across 39,000 farms, yielding a rich variety of crops and products. With the industry generating revenues in the billions of dollars each year, Alabama serves a pivotal role both in farming and as a hub for food processing and production.
Big brains. Bigger harvests.
Peanuts are an important part of rural Alabama’s economy, contributing more than $210 million annually to the state’s economy while accounting for 3,000 jobs. Scientists at Alabama’s HudsonAlpha Institute of Biotechnology are working to enhance that impact.
HudsonAlpha scientists are doing innovative research aimed at producing healthier peanut harvests, partnering with the state’s farmers and agricultural industry leaders on genomic projects involving peanuts. The goal is to develop peanuts that can resist diseases and survive drought.
Sausage producer spreads its wings.
Conecuh Sausage has been a well-loved Alabama brand for nearly a half-century — and it’s growing. The Evergreen-based company is investing nearly $58 million to open a second production facility in the state. The project will create 110 jobs in Andalusia, located in rural Coffee County.
Planting SEEDS of growth in rural Alabama.
Alabama’s rural communities are well-positioned to benefit from industry growth, and the state’s new Site Evaluation and Economic Development Strategy (SEEDS) program is enhancing that attractiveness. Eleven rural communities received SEEDS allocations totaling over $7 million during 2024, accelerating site development projects. A big winner was the Enterprise Commerce Park, which received $5.7 million in SEEDS funding for improvements.
Latest Rural News
Rural, Ag Tech & Food Products
Alabama’s ag/food products sector surges with major investment projects
When the J.M. Smucker Co. celebrated the opening of a $1.1 billion manufacturing facility in McCalla days ago, it marked another milestone in a long-running growth spurt that’s energizing Alabama’s key agriculture and food products sector.
November 14, 2024
Rural, Ag Tech & Food Products
Conecuh Sausage expanding in $58 million Alabama growth project
February 14, 2024
Rural, Ag Tech & Food Products
Market Wagon provides new way for farmers to connect with customers
July 29, 2022
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