Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley June 30 signed two Alabama Farmers Federation priority bills dealing with country of origin labeling and the queen honeybee.

Bentley said the country of origin labeling law would help customers make an informed decision before ordering catfish in Alabama.

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“HB186 is an important consumer protection measure for Alabamians,” Bentley said. “The legislation ensures that restaurants properly label the country of origin of catfish and catfish-like foods. Alabama catfish is important to the overall economy of Alabama, with our state’s catfish industry creating 5,800 jobs. I appreciate the Alabama Legislature for passing this bill to guarantee the public knows the specific origins of catfish and catfish-like foods that are eaten in Alabama restaurants.”

Hale County catfish farmer Townsend Kyser said the law will help catfish farmers and consumers alike.

“The country of origin label will help strengthen the catfish industry and the rural areas in which it is concentrated,” Kyser said. “People want to know where their fish comes from, and now they can feel confident getting the answers they want.”

Bentley also signed a bill to make the queen honeybee the official state agricultural insect.

Several farmers and ALFA staff members, including Madison County beekeeper Bill Mullins, attended the ceremonial signing.

“If Alabama didn’t have queen honeybees, our agricultural industry wouldn’t be as successful as it is,” said Mullins, chairman of the ALFA State Bee & Honey Committee. “This bill will encourage honeybee education and awareness so more people will know where their food comes from.”

“Agriculture is the state of Alabama's top industry, producing a yearly economic impact of $70.4 billion,” Bentley said. “HB286 will expand the important role the queen honeybee plays in the state of Alabama and will educate our citizens about the honeybee through Agriculture in the Classroom and other educational efforts.”