From Soil to Success: A 5-Point Action Plan

Guest Opinion Christina Woerner McInnis, Candidate For Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries

Alabama's number one industry is agriculture, contributing more than $77 billion each year to our state's economy. From poultry to peaches, from cattle to cotton, agriculture is not just our economy; it is our way of life. But our farmers face challenges unlike any before, and it's time for bold, proven leadership to protect our land, our food, and our future.

As a fifth-generation farmer from Baldwin County, I know these challenges firsthand. I grew up working in our family's machine shop, learning how to keep tractors running and how to keep a farm moving. Our family went on to build one of the largest sod farms in the nation, and I later founded my own company, AgriTech Corp, where I now serve as CEO. We created SoilKit, an innovative soil software platform that helps farmers, landowners, and families improve soil health and grow more efficiently.

When elected, I would have the honor of serving as Alabama's first woman Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries. That responsibility comes with a clear mission: to put more Alabama food on Alabama tables, in our homes, our schools, our restaurants, and through programs like SNAP. Families deserve healthy, affordable, Alabama-grown products, and our farmers deserve policies that put them first.

That's why I've released my 5-Point Plan for Agriculture and Industries:

1. Strengthening the Farm Bill & Nutrition Programs. Let's put the FARM back into the Farm bill. Families should be able to buy Alabama rotisserie chicken with SNAP benefits. It's healthy, affordable, and supports Alabama farmers. With 15% of Alabamians on SNAP and three-quarters of children in the program facing obesity, we can make smarter choices - let's change the eligible energy drinks to rotisserie chicken that benefits both families and Alabama farmers.

2. Protecting Alabama Farmland. Over 400,000 acres in the U.S. have already been sold to China, and foreign interests continue to lease farmland and strip away intellectual property. To control the food is to control the country. Alabama land must not be owned by advisarial foreign countries.

3. Securing the Next Generation of Farmers. Rising land, fertilizer, and equipment costs are driving young people away from the farming industry. Food security is national security, and without young farmers, we cannot feed Alabama or America.

4. Growing Sweet Grown Alabama. Our brand is strong, but we can do more. With over 29 million tourists visiting our state each year, let's put innovation behind the brand and create an agri-tourism experience that connects families with fresh produce, farmers markets, and festivals while keeping money in local communities.

5. Streamlining Grants for Farmers. Millions of dollars in grants are available, but the process is too complicated. I'll create a simple portal that connects farmers with funding: putting more money back in their pockets.

With every decision we face in Alabama, I will ask, "Is this good for Alabama farmers and is this healthy for our children?"  Agriculture is the backbone of Alabama. I am committed to serving Alabama farmers and families.  I will protect our farmland, grow opportunities across our state, and together, we can ensure the Alabama agriculture and industries remain strong for generations to come.

To view a video or for more information, please visit www.McInnisForAlabama.com/plan