By Clint Thompson
Sweet Grown Alabama Day on Saturday provided the state’s specialty crop producers an outlet to market their product and connect with the state’s consumers. The second annual event emphasized the importance of consumers buying and supporting local farmers, says Aisling Fields, Sweet Grown Alabama assistant director.
“With it being our second year, Sweet Grown Alabama Day was a huge success from last year,” Fields said. “Last year we just kind of focused on farmer’s markets. It was our first year doing it, so we started small. This year we really wanted to key in on the fact that there are tons of ways to support Alabama farmers.”
Thirteen farmers markets in Alabama participated with special events, including free samples, kids’ areas, live music and more. Consumers were encouraged to support local growers through other avenues as well.
“Encourage folks to support locally grown products whether that be visiting a farmer’s market, going to a grocery store that sells local products or going to a farmer in their area and purchasing items from them, taking it home, serving it to their family. Or if they are a farmer, just going on their social media page and talking about their farm and why it’s so important to support them and their business; and how that’s better for Alabama’s economy,” Fields said.
Alabama Governor Kay Ivey issued a proclamation declaring July 22, 2023 “Sweet Grown Alabama Day at the Farmers Market.”
“Whereas, consumers supporting local farmers and purchasing locally grown products can have a ripple effect on the state’s economy, with some models predicting up to 60% of each dollar spent locally to stay within Alabama’s economy… Now, therefore, I Kay Ivey, Governor of Alabama, do hereby proclaim July 22, 2023, as Sweet Grown Alabama Day at the Farmers Market,” read part of the proclamation.
Agriculture is one of Alabama’s largest industries, accounting for more than $70 billion of economic impact annually.
Farmers markets who participated with special events included:
- Bessemer Farmers Market
- City of Albertville Farmers Market
- City of Gadsden Parks and Rec 5th Street Market
- Coastal Alabama Farmers and Fishermans Market
- Fort Payne Main Street Farmers Market
- Leeds Farmers Market
- Market at Pepper Place
- Montevallo Farmers Market
- Montgomery Curb Market
- Prattville/Autauga Farmers Market
- Town of Berlin Farmers Market
- Tuscaloosa River Market
- Village of Providence Farmers Market
Sweet Grown Alabama exists to connect farmers and families. Consumers can search for locally grown products at Sweet Grown Alabama or by looking for the Sweet Grown Alabama logo when shopping.