Alabama Administrative Code Title 80 - ALABAMA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND INDUSTRIES
Title 80 of the Alabama Administrative Code is dedicated to the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (ADAI). This department is a broad-reaching regulatory and service agency responsible for overseeing and promoting various aspects of agriculture, food safety, and fair commerce within the state.
The rules under Title 80 are organized into numerous chapters, reflecting the diverse responsibilities of the ADAI. Here's a breakdown of some of the major areas covered, based on common agricultural regulatory bodies:
I. Agricultural Chemistry and Products:
Commercial Feed (Chapter 80-1-5): Regulations pertaining to the manufacture, distribution, labeling, and sale of commercial feed for livestock and pets. This includes aspects like good manufacturing practices and hazard analysis.
Fertilizer (Chapter 80-1-6): Rules for the composition, labeling, and sale of fertilizers.
Agricultural Liming Materials (Chapter 80-1-7): Regulations for lime products used in agriculture.
Pesticides (Chapter 80-1-9): Rules concerning the registration, labeling, sale, and application of pesticides, often involving licensing of applicators.
Seeds (Chapter 80-1-10): Standards for seed quality, labeling, and purity to protect farmers.
Industrial Hemp (Chapter 80-10-21): Regulations governing the cultivation, processing, handling, and testing of industrial hemp in Alabama, including licensing requirements for growers and processors.
II. Animal Health and Industries:
Livestock Sanitary Rules (Chapter 80-3-6): Important for controlling and preventing the spread of animal diseases. This includes rules for:
Importation and intrastate movement of livestock and poultry.
Requirements for health certificates.
Specific disease control measures (e.g., for brucellosis, tuberculosis, chronic wasting disease in cervids).
Regulations for wild and semi-wild animals, dogs, and cats.
Meat and Poultry Inspection (Chapter 80-3-8): Standards for the slaughter, processing, and labeling of meat and poultry products to ensure food safety.
Poultry and Eggs (Chapter 80-3-1 to 80-3-5, 80-3-9): Regulations concerning poultry and egg production, grading, and marketing.
Honeybees and Apiaries (Chapter 80-3-11): Rules for beekeeping, disease control in honeybees, and prevention of Africanized honeybee spread.
Livestock Markets and Dealers (Chapter 80-3-12): Licensing and operational rules for livestock markets and dealers.
III. Food Safety and Marketing:
Food Safety (Chapter 80-14-1, etc.): General rules for food safety and inspection, often incorporating federal standards like those from the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA). (Note: There was a rule on Medical Cannabis Cultivation, 80-14-1, which was repealed effective April 14, 2025, as medical cannabis regulations are now under a different authority).
Marketing (Chapter 80-8-1 to 80-11-5): Rules related to the marketing, grading, and standards of farm products. This can include:
Farmers Markets (Chapter 80-7-1): Criteria and rules for certified farmers markets, including producer requirements, product sourcing, and sampling guidelines.
Agricultural Tourist Attraction Program (Chapter 80-8-11): Rules for the designation of "Approved Agricultural Tourist Attractions" to promote agritourism.
IV. Weights and Measures:
Weights and Measures (Chapter 80-13-1 to 80-13-9): Regulations for commercial weighing and measuring devices (e.g., scales, gas pumps) to ensure accuracy in trade. (Note: Some of these chapters were repealed effective April 14, 2025, indicating potential updates or shifts in regulatory approach).
V. General Administration and Other Programs:
Commissioner's Office (Chapter 80-5-1 to 80-7-1): Rules related to the general administration of the Department.
Plant Protection/Horticulture: Regulations concerning plant pests, diseases, nurseries, and plant quarantines.
Stockyards and Brands: Oversight of livestock branding and stockyard operations to deter theft and ensure proper ownership.
The Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries is charged with enforcing these rules to:
Protect consumers: By ensuring the safety and quality of food and agricultural products.
Protect producers: By regulating inputs like feed, seed, and fertilizer, and preventing unfair trade practices.
Safeguard animal and plant health: Through disease prevention, quarantine, and pest control measures.
Promote agricultural commerce: By establishing standards, providing certifications, and supporting marketing efforts.
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, it is always recommended to consult the official source for the Alabama Administrative Code, which is maintained by the Alabama Legislative Services Agency, and the official website of the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (agi.alabama.gov).
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