Alabama agriculture exports, now at $1 billion, must double in the next decade if we are to keep up with world food demand and remain competitive in the international marketplace, according to Commissioner John McMillan of the state Department of Agriculture & Industries.

Alabama farmers and agribusinesses must adopt what McMillan calls a "global approach" to agriculture production.  To this end, the Alabama Department of Agriculture & Industries on May 15 will hold a one-day conference for farmers and agribusinesses to provide insights on international trade and how to export products to foreign markets.

"Exports mean jobs and greater opportunity for Alabamians. Our competitors, especially Canada, have in recent years moved aggressively into international markets and taken a major position in agricultural exports," McMillan said.

Governor Robert Bentley on Thursday announced that, during his first year in office, new and expanding industry announcement totals rose to the highest capital investment levels in the past four years.

According to new data released by the Alabama Department of Commerce (formerly Alabama Development Office), during the year 2011, there was a 9.3 percent increase in the number of new jobs announced for the state and an 87.7 percent increase in announced capital investment compared to 2010.

New and expanding industries in 2011 announced they would hire 17,248 people and invest $4,083,056,603 in the state.  In 2010, companies announced they would hire 15,779 people and invest $2,175,179,750.

“These new figures confirm Alabama is headed in the right direction as we continue to recover from the economic downturn,” Governor Bentley said.  “Alabama’s economic development programs are working hand-in-hand with local development partners to create new jobs a