By Clint Thompson
The recent Alabama Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (AFVGA) Conference and Trade Show allowed for the state’s producers to learn about pests, diseases and trends impacting the specialty crop industry. It also provided an opportunity for Blake Thaxton, AFVGA Executive Director, to talk about the organization’s initiative to continue advancing Alabama produce throughout the state.
Thaxton discussed how the industry can continue to grow and thrive during an interview with AgNet Media.
“I think there’s a lot of different things that we’ve got to look at. One thing in particular, we’re working with Sweet Grown Alabama on is, how do we get more Alabama produce in the Alabama grocery store? We love farmers’ markets and we’re going to continue to support our farmers’ market folks and our farmstand folks, but the predominant amount of produce is bought at the grocery store by the American family, by the Alabama family, by my family,” Thaxton said.
“We’re looking at some initiatives to work with, especially, Alabama-based grocery companies and maybe our state legislature to get some incentive-based reasons for these guys to buy Alabama produce. That’s something we want to continue to look at in the future because we know this industry won’t grow unless it’s economically sustainable and economically viable. That’s a challenge in the whole Ag market right now and the entire Ag sector. How do we continue to keep this viable for folks? We’re working on that.”