Sweet Grown Alabama News

Sweet Grown Alabama hosted its third annual farm to table dinner at The Barn at Twin Valley in Prattville on July 13. Over 250 attendees enjoyed a dinner full of locally grown products, live music from local band Shackelford Lane and beautiful Alabama farm views. 

Farmers and ranchers, Sweet Grown Alabama sponsors and supporters, local legislators and community members dined on nine sweet southern classics highlighting Sweet Grown Alabama products from beef to corn to ice cream. Sweet Grown Alabama wine from Jules J. Berta Vineyards & Winery in Albertville was also featured.

“The entire goal of Sweet Grown Alabama is to promote the wonderful products grown here in this state,” said Sweet Grown Alabama Director Ellie Watson. “This annual farm to table dinner allows us to celebrate the bounty grown in Alabama, and it was a joy to do that with friends and community members in central Alabama!”  

Agriculture is one of Alabama’s largest industries accounting for over $70 billion of economic impact annually, making it a key component in Alabama’s economy. Studies show that for every dollar spent locally, 60 cents stay within Alabama’s economy. Consumers can ensure their hard-earned money stays in Alabama when purchasing Sweet Grown Alabama members’ products.

“It was an honor to provide the ice cream for all the guests,” said Sweet Grown Alabama member and Blue Ribbon Dairy owner Michaela Sanders. “Supporting local farmers not only puts money back in your local economy, it provides sustainability in your food supply."

A surprise bartending guest also made an appearance. “Whiskey the Beer Burro” delivered drinks to delighted diners as they enjoyed dinner made by Chef Nieves Anderson of Soul Revival Cookhouse. 

“Food is almost always my favorite part of an event,” said Sweet Grown Alabama Ambassador Kathleen Phillips. “For the Sweet Grown Alabama Farm to Table Dinner, it was not just the plate full of fresh vegetables that was my favorite, but the farmers behind every dish!”

Other farms represented in the dinner included:

• Blue Ribbon Dairy, Tallassee (ice cream)
• Circles of Colors, Notasulga (flowers)
• Evans Farms, Verbena (squash)
• Jules J. Berta, Albertville (wine)
• Jimmy Durbin/Sunshine Farms, Clanton (peaches)
• Palmer Farm, Wetumpka (jelly)
• Pecan Place Farm, Lowndesboro (sweet corn)
• Penton Farms, Verbena (peas)
• Pierce Farms, Clanton (okra)
• Popwells Produce, Clanton (tomatoes)
• Prattville Honey Farm, Prattville (honey)
• Rockin’ U Farm, Lineville (beef)
• Sirmon Farms, Daphne (sweet potatoes)

As a statewide non-profit, Sweet Grown Alabama rotates its annual farm to table celebration to new locations across the state each year.