Alabama Agricultural and Conservation Development Commission (AACDC)

Commission

Carol Knight

Governor's Representative

Rick Pate

Commissioner of Agriculture

Jimmy Parnell

President Alabama Farmer's Federation

Keith Glover

President Alabama Cattlemen's Association

Patty Lambrecht

Citizen/Active Farmer

Sue Gaines

Citizen/Active Farmer

Rick Oates

Alabama Forestry Commission

Cameron Smith

President Alabama Association of Conservation Districts

Charles Holmes

Soil & Water Conservation Committee

Matthew Hammett

Representative Ex-Officio

Danny Crawford

Representative Ex-Officio

Reed Ingram

Representative Ex-Officio

David Sessions

Senator Ex-Officio

Donnie Chesteen

Senator Ex-Officio

Greg Albritton

Senator Ex-Officio

Charles A. Holmes – Chairman

Vaughn Poe – Vice Chairman
Hale County, Area 3
Term Expires: 10/25/2026
Appointment Date: 11/21/2023
Rickey L. Cornutt
Marshall County, Area 1
Term Expires: 10/26/2027
Appointment Date: 11/25/2024
Dr. Carol Knight
Randolph County, Area 2
Term Expires: 10/25/2026
Appointment Date: 11/21/2023

Johnny Lee
Henry County, Area 5
Term Expires: 10/26/2025
Appointment Date: 11/18/2022

Jake Harper
Wilcox County, Area 6
Term Expires: 11/26/2027
Appointment Date: 10/25/2024

Dr.Eve Brantley
Director, Alabama Cooperative Extension Service
Ex Officio

Jay Borden
Ag-Science Education 
Ex Officio

Dr. Arthur Appel
Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station
Ex Officio
Dr. William Puckett
Executive Director, SWCC
Ex Officio

The Alabama Agricultural and Conservation Development Commission (AACDC) was created by the Alabama Legislature on April 29, 1986. Its main purpose is to promote and support conservation efforts on agricultural and forestry lands throughout the state.  AACDC provides financial assistance to landowners and lessees through the Conservation Incentive Program (CIP) to help implement soil, water, forestry and wildlife conservation practices. These practices improve land productivity, protect natural resources, reduce soil erosion, and enhance water quality.

  • Governor (serves as Chair)
  • Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries
  • President, Alabama Farmers Federation
  • President, Alabama Cattlemen’s Association
  • Chair, State Soil & Water Conservation Committee
  • One representative from the Alabama Forestry Commission (Governor‑designated)
  • President, Alabama Association of Conservation Districts
  • Two public citizens, appointed by the Governor, who are active farmers, timberland owners, or involved in environmental protection
  • Chair of the Senate Agriculture, Conservation & Forestry Committee
  • Chair of the House Agriculture & Forestry Committee
  • Two additional state legislators (one House member appointed by the Speaker; one Senate member appointed by the Lieutenant Governor)