Alabama's agriculture commissioner pushed for the new free trade agreement with Colombia and now he's trying to make sure Alabama benefits from it.

Agriculture Commissioner John McMillan left Wednesday for a five-day trip. Spokesman Brett Hall says Colombian officials invited McMillan to visit Bogota because of his vocal support for the agreement. Hall says McMillan will meet with government and business leaders to establish relationships that he hopes will lead to the more exports for Alabama agricultural products. Hall said Colombians are particularly interested in Alabama chicken, peanuts and forest products.

He said McMillan is traveling at his own expense because of the Agriculture Department's budget cuts. He's accompanied by Tom Vocino of Alabama State University, Randy Brinson of the Redeem the Vote, and state Sen. Scott Beason.

Story from The Montgomery Advertiser; Written by the Associated Press

SOURCE: http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/article/20111109/NEWS/111109030/Alabama-official-visits-Colombia-trade-talks