Mobile Courant

U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville has reintroduced the Farmers’ Market Expansion Act, a legislative effort aimed at benefiting Alabama's agriculture sector and increasing access to healthy foods for over 54,000 seniors in the state. The proposed legislation seeks to include pecans and other tree nuts in the USDA’s Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP), thereby allowing participating seniors to obtain these products.

“The Farmers’ Market Expansion Act would be a huge win for both our seniors and tree nut farmers by making it easier for seniors to incorporate pecans into their diet,” said Senator Tuberville. He emphasized the nutritional benefits of pecans, highlighting their importance for brain, bone, and heart health.

Senator Ben Luján from New Mexico joined Tuberville in introducing this bill, while U.S. Representative Barry Moore is spearheading similar efforts in the House of Representatives. Moore stated, “Adding tree nuts, especially shelled pecans, to the Seniors’ Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program benefits Alabama producers and seniors.”

The act has garnered support from various organizations including the National Pecan Federation and the Almond Alliance. Brian Futral of the Alabama Pecan Growers Association remarked on its potential positive impact: “The opportunity for Pecans to be added to the Senior Market Nutrition Program would be a huge win for Alabama growers.”

Alabama Department of Agriculture & Industries Commissioner Rick Pate also expressed his approval: “This would be a win for our farmers, for our seniors and for Alabama agriculture.” Alexi Rodriguez from the Almond Alliance noted that this initiative supports both low-income seniors' health and almond growers' economic vitality.

The SFMNP currently provides fresh produce to eligible low-income seniors who can exchange coupons at local markets. In fiscal year 2022, over 757,000 seniors participated nationwide with more than 15,000 farmers involved.

With Alabama ranking eighth nationally in pecan production—harvesting approximately 3 million pounds across 9,000 acres—the inclusion of tree nuts could open new market opportunities. During past listening sessions throughout Alabama, many local pecan growers expressed interest in such an expansion.

Senator Tuberville serves on several Senate committees including Agriculture and Aging Committees.