Tankersley Pushes State Action on Food Security on CHD podcast

Republican Lieutenant Governor candidate Dr. Stewart Tankersley is calling for Alabama leaders to take a larger role in protecting the State’s food supply, supporting farmers and expanding local agriculture production.

Tankersley made the remarks during a recent interview with Dr. Meryl Nass on Children’s Health Defense TV, where the Montgomery physician and retired Army colonel discussed food policy, federal agriculture regulations and the future of farming in Alabama.

“I think that we need to kind of take a step back and look at what is going on,” Tankersley said. “How important is our food supply? It is essential and everybody understands it is essential.”

Tankersley, a family medicine doctor and former Alabama Ethics Commission member, launched his campaign for Lieutenant Governor earlier this spring with a message centered on affordability, accountability and conservative reform.

During the CHD interview, Tankersley argued that distrust in government institutions has grown in recent years and said State leaders must begin focusing more heavily on food security and local agriculture.

“The biggest political problem in our country is the lack of trust in our government at all levels,” Tankersley said. “The political leaders are not getting it yet, but they’re starting to.”

The discussion focused heavily on the federal Farm Bill recently passed by the U.S. House. Host Dr. Meryl Nass criticized portions of the legislation tied to pesticide regulation, federal livestock authority and food production subsidies.

Tankersley said Alabama officials should work to strengthen local food systems and reduce dependence on large federal structures.

“The Ag Commissioners now are taking it on their platforms — to embrace MAHA because it is such a win for the agricultural industries that allow the healthy food to come from local sources,” Tankersley said.

Tankersley also pointed to the growing pressure facing farmers, particularly older producers struggling with debt, rising costs and limited access to capital.

“I've learned in the last few months that the biggest group of people, individuals that are at risk for suicide are the elderly farmers,” Tankersley said. “Because of the pressures and the bankruptcies and everything.”

He said Alabama must take a broader approach to protecting agriculture communities.

“We have got to sustain our agriculture communities,” Tankersley said. “We've got to promote the young people to come in and it's an honorable living.”

Tankersley highlighted a new agriculture-focused magnet school initiative in Montgomery aimed at introducing students to farming and agricultural careers.

“In Montgomery, Alabama we're starting the first magnet school in high school, 9th grade, teaching kids about ag and these industries that are going to provide them a future and all of us healthy food and a future for sustainability,” he said.

The interview also touched on State-level efforts to ease financial pressure on farmers through healthcare access and lending support. Tankersley referenced recent legislation allowing the Alabama Farmers Federation, commonly known as Alfa, to offer health coverage options to farmers.

“And as you know, health insurance is a massive strain, puts a massive strain on families,” Tankersley said. “So it needs to be multi-pronged.”

Tankersley’s campaign has largely focused on conservative grassroots themes since entering the Lieutenant Governor ’s race. During his campaign launch in Montgomery, he described himself as “not a career politician” and pledged to bring a “service-oriented approach” to State government.

“I’m a doctor. I’m a veteran. And I’m someone who has spent his life solving problems and serving others,” Tankersley said during his launch event. “I will approach this job the same way I’ve approached medicine. Listen carefully, make an honest diagnosis, take action and do no harm.”

For more information on Tankersley and his campaign, visit https://stewarttankersley.com or follow him on social media.

The podcast with Dr. Nass and Dr. Tankersley may be seen at THIS LINK, with Dr. Tankersley’s portion beginning at ~17:20.