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.
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 ChairmanHale 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 AppelAlabama Agricultural Experiment Station
Ex Officio
Dr. William PuckettExecutive Director, SWCC
Ex Officio
- 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)