Commissioner Pate requests federal fuel relief for Alabama’s logging industry
Diesel prices have climbed sharply as forestry leaders said 1,500 logging operations face mounting pressure across Alabama’s rural economy.
Alabama Agriculture and Industries Commissioner Rick Pate formally asked the U.S. Department of Agriculture on Thursday to include loggers in the already approved $8 billion Harvest Fuel Relief Program to help offset rising fuel costs and support Alabama’s logging industry.
“The forestry industry is Alabama’s largest industry, contributing more than $37.5 billion annually to our state’s economy. Our loggers are essential to keeping this industry moving,” Pate said. “With diesel prices rising and operating costs putting additional pressure on their businesses, we need to make sure these hardworking men and women are not overlooked. Including loggers in the Harvest Fuel Relief Program would provide meaningful assistance to an industry that supports thousands of Alabama families and rural communities.”
Rising diesel prices have put additional pressure on logging businesses facing increased input costs and market disruptions. From September 21, 2025, to September 21, 2026, the average diesel price in Alabama rose from $4.09 to $6.15 per gallon. Alabama has approximately 23 million acres of timberland supporting more than 123,000 jobs that depend on the state’s approximately 1,500 logging operations. Those operations harvest and deliver timber used to produce lumber, paper and other wood-based materials.
The Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries said it works closely with the Alabama Forestry Commission and the Alabama Forestry Association to support the forestry industry, strengthen rural economies and address challenges facing forest landowners, loggers and forest products businesses. The department said those partnerships help the sector remain competitive and provide economic opportunities throughout the state.
Pate’s request emphasizes loggers’ role in the nation’s agricultural and forest products supply chains and seeks to give them access to assistance intended to help producers manage rising input costs. Pate urged the USDA to give the request serious consideration.
