By Clint Thompson
The Alabama Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (AFVGA) is seeking participants for the Grow Forward Award; a new award that will be presented at next year’s AFVGA Annual Conference on Feb. 4-6 in Gulf Shores, Alabama.
Blake Thaxton, AFVGA Executive Director, said this award highlights both established producers and emerging growers.
“It’s an award, but it’s more of a contest. We’ve partnered with First South Farm Credit, sponsor of the Grow Forward Award. This is an innovation contest. We’re seeking applications from farmers who have innovative ideas, and that looks different for different farmers,” Thaxton said. “If you’re a young, new, beginning farmer, the innovative idea may be more just your idea to grow your farm and get it to where you want your vision for your farm. If you’re a more established farm, what that probably looks like is a specific idea that you have and want to implement on your farm.
“We’ll be taking applications until November. Then we have some judges who will judge those applications and pick finalists. The finalists will be invited to the conference to present to the judges. Those judges will select the winner who will receive a $5,000 cash prize. We’re excited to be starting that.”
Applicants will be judged on how they address challenges in various parts of agriculture, including production, marketing, labor, technology or sustainability. Leadership, creativity and motivation to improve the state’s specialty crop industry are driving this award recognition.
Those interested applicants that may have questions can contact Thaxton at bthaxton@alfafarmers.org for additional information.