The Alabama Poultry and Egg Association is the trade organization of the poultry industry in Alabama. The membership base is unique because all segments of the poultry industry are represented. AP&EA is a not-for-profit, member-driven organization, governed by a board of directors from various sectors of the poultry industry. The membership base of roughly 3500 people and companies is made up of poultry producers, allied suppliers, and agricultural agencies to ensure that Alabama is a healthy and profitable place to produce poultry products.

With help attained industry-wide, AP&EA promotes poultry across Alabama. The economic impact on Alabama is $15 billion, which is ten percent of the entire state economy. Poultry in Alabama is responsible for over 86,000 jobs. Because of the technological advances and continued product research, the cost of poultry to the consumer has remained at virtually the same level since the 1950’s.For centuries, poultry has played an important role on the family farm. Poultry has served as a vital food source in many American lives.

During the Depression and War years, the commercial potential of broilers and eggs was noticed. Rolling stores and live poultry buyers began selling live chickens and eggs in local towns and cities. A new concept, mass production of poultry, materialized. Hatcheries sprang up and began selling baby chicks to local farmers.