AFA NEWSROOM - January 23, 2025

Alabama’s $36 Billion Forestry Industry Powers Rural Growth and Innovation

Alabama’s forestry industry is a vital economic engine, particularly for the state’s rural areas. By generating billions in economic activity, creating thousands of jobs and promoting sustainable practices, the industry not only supports local economies but also positions Alabama as a leader in forestry and natural resource management on a national and global scale.

The forestry industry’s scope is massive in Alabama, with its total annual economic impact calculated at $36 billion. The state is home to over 110 manufacturing facilities including sawmills, paper mills and other production sites, supporting more than 40,000 jobs directly in the sector.

Rep. Barry Moore named Vice Chairman of the Forestry and Horticulture Subcommittee

Congressman Barry Moore has been named Vice Chairman of the Forestry and Horticulture Subcommittee of the House Agriculture Committee. Moore will serve alongside Subcommittee Chairman Doug LaMalfa (R-CA). Moore has served as a member of the Forestry and Horticulture subcommittee since he was elected to Congress in 2021.

“It is an honor to be named the Vice Chairman of the Forestry and Horticulture subcommittee,” said Moore. “Alabama is home to over 23 million forestland acres, the third most in the United States. The people of Alabama are hard at work putting that land to good use, as forestry provides more than 110,000 jobs in our state and is a pillar of our economy. I look forward to working with Agriculture Committee Chairman Thompson and Subcommittee Chairman LaMalfa to ensure Alabama foresters have a seat at the table."

2025 AFA

Public Policy Seminar

January 26 - 28, 2025

Register now for our 2025 Public Policy Seminar at The Grand Hotel in Point Clear today! From AFA members to state and federal public officials, don't miss getting an update on the State of Alabama's Governance the week prior to the Alabama General Session, January 26 - 28, 2025.

AFA Connect

February 20, 2025

Join AFA Connect at 11:00 am CST on Thursday, February 20, 2025, to learn about the Alabama Drought Reach Program from Program Manager Brianne Minton. The Alabama Drought Reach Program focuses on increasing drought communication and impact reporting in Alabama, with the hopes of improving overall drought literacy throughout the state. Brianne also works as the liaison between the Alabama Office of the State Climatologist and the Alabama Cooperative Extension System. Earn one CFE/PLM hour.

AFC Launches Rural Bridge Grant Initiative to Strengthen Timber Transportation

The Alabama Forestry Commission is pleased to announce the launch of its Rural Bridge Grant initiative, effective January 10, 2025. This vital program, established through the Alabama Legislature’s Rural Logging Efficiency Act of 2023 and funded in the FY25 General Fund Budget, is dedicated to upgrading infrastructure and easing costly transportation challenges resulting from the need to route loaded trucks around corridors with statutorily limited bridges in rural areas.

Navigating the Future of the Pulp and Paper Industry: Sustainability and Carbon

A few weeks back, we discussed key trends shaping the pulp, paper, and packaging industry—topics like the growing demand for packaging materials, geopolitical factors, and the challenges of maintaining sustainable growth. Now, we’re turning our focus to a critical issue in the industry’s future that transcends market trends: sustainability and carbon reduction.

Why does this matter? For the pulp and paper industry, sustainability isn’t just a buzzword. It’s a vital strategic focus that dictates how companies operate in a carbon-conscious world. Whether it’s setting science-based targets, transitioning to a low-carbon bio-economy, or benchmarking carbon emissions, leading organizations are making bold moves to align their practices with a more sustainable future.

Online CE Available For PLM & CFE

Still need CFE hours? Check out AFA's online CE Classes available for CFE & PLM credit.... New 2024 Bundle (5 Hours) is available now. Click the link below to see all the classes available.

AFA Online Education