MONTGOMERY, AL —Agriculture and forestry groups collected more than 300 pounds of food and $1,000 to help fight hunger and commemorate Alabama’s inaugural events today.

Food drive sponsors were Alabama Ag Credit, Alabama Agribusiness Council, Alabama Cattleman’s Association, Alabama Farm Credit, Alabama Farmers Cooperative, Alabama Farmers Federation, Alabama Forestry Association, Alabama Grocers Association, Alabama Nursery and Landscape Association, Alabama Poultry and Egg Association, First South Farm Credit and the Department of Agriculture and Industries. Non-perishable food and monetary donations were collected outside the RSA Alabama Activity Center along the inaugural parade route where individuals and agriculture groups made donations.

“Agriculture is Alabama’s No. 1 industry, generating $70.4 billion in economic impact and providing almost 600,000 jobs,” said Alabama Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries John McMillan. “Unfortunately, some Alabamians don’t get to experience that bounty as often as they should. We’re happy to partner with the Montgomery Area Food Bank (MAFB) to help reduce hunger in our state.”

Inauguration activities coordinated by state agriculture and forestry leaders began with an early morning coffee honoring McMillan at the Activity Center. McMillan, who was sworn in today for his second four-year term, told those gathered at the morning reception to expect financial challenges for the state in the coming months. He urged constituents to stay in tune with what’s happening in state government.

“Never has it been more important for citizens to be aware of what’s happening in Montgomery,” McMillan said. “Agriculture is our most important industry, and by 2050 farmers will have to double their production to provide the food we need. It’s important we all work together to make sure we allow our farmers to do what they need to do to feed our world.”

McMillan joined other constitutional officers and elected officials who took the oath of office during a 9 a.m. ceremony on the steps of the state Capitol. They included Gov. Robert Bentley, Lt. Gov. Kay Ivey, Attorney General Luther Strange, State Auditor Jim Zeigler, State Treasurer Young Boozer, Secretary of State John Merrill, Public Service Commissioners Jeremy Oden and Chip Beeker and members of the State Board of Education.

Federation President Jimmy Parnell said it was great to see the agriculture and forestry communities come together to honor Alabama’s elected officials and help the hungry.

“As we look ahead to the next four years, it’s important for all farmers and land owners to be united in meeting the challenges and opportunities our state will face,” Parnell said. “It’s also important that we work together to end hunger in our state and to remember the role agriculture plays in feeding the world.”

The inaugural parade, which had more than 5,000 participants, followed the ceremony. McMillan rode a float with the theme “Agriculture & Forestry, Growing Alabama” that was sponsored by agriculture and forestry leaders.

CLICK HERE to view photos of today’s events.