Sweet Grown Alabama Day Celebrates Alabama Agriculture and All Things Locally Grown

Sweet Grown Alabama Day Celebrates Alabama Agriculture and All Things Locally Grown

July 15, 2024

As a celebration of Alabama agriculture and all things locally grown, Sweet Grown Alabama, the state’s non-profit agricultural branding program, hosted the third “Sweet Grown Alabama Day” on Saturday, July 13. Fourteen farmers markets across the state participated with special events, including free samples, kids’ areas, live music and more. Alabama farms part of the Sweet Grown Alabama program also participated with beef giveaways, all-you-can-eat tomato sandwiches, all-you-can-pick flowers, posting pictures to their social media and more. Consumers not located near one of these special events were encouraged to visit a local market, store or farm, eat at a restaurant serving local products or cook a meal with local ingredients to connect with and support farmers in their area. 

Gov. Kay Ivey issued a proclamation declaring July 13, 2024 “Sweet Grown Alabama Day.”

“Buying local ensures transportation emissions are cut down and helps Alabama sustain production to provide for our people; and whereas, healthy eating and access to locally grown products through farmers markets and farmers are foundational to the quality of life for all Alabamians… Now, therefore, I Kay Ivey, Governor of Alabama, do hereby proclaim July 13, 2024 as Sweet Grown Alabama Day,” read part of the proclamation. 

 

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The Farmers Market at Pepper Place in Birmingham participated in Sweet Grown Alabama Day by hosting a special giveaway. Three winners were announced July 7 and picked up their prize on July 13 at the farmers market. Second place winner Rikesha Foster said she was excited to participate because it was nothing new for her to support Alabama farmers.

“Sweet Grown Alabama Day is a great day to buy from local farmers,” said Foster. “However, I think we should buy local every day. Supporting a farmer and buying a better product is a win-win! How could I not eat local?” 

Sweet Grown Alabama Day allowed community members to engage with farmers across the state. Sweet Grown Alabama leaders encouraged consumers to support Alabama farmers by asking questions about where their food comes from and using social media to spread the message of why Sweet Grown Alabama Day is important. Posts were shared throughout the day on Sweet Grown Alabama’s own social media as consumers enjoyed local.

 

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Sweet Grown Alabama is dedicated to boosting marketing opportunities for Alabama farmers by bridging the gap between retailers and consumers of Alabama-grown foods and other agricultural products. 

"Not only do you receive the best products around when you support farmers, you are also helping support Alabama's economy," said Sweet Grown Alabama Assistant Director Aisling Walding. "Purchasing local on Sweet Grown Alabama Day is an easy, fun way to say thank you to the farmers who work hard every day growing our food and other agricultural products."

 

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Agriculture is one of Alabama’s largest industries accounting for over $70 billion of economic impact annually. 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 products.

Farmers markets who participated in Sweet Grown Alabama Day with special events included:

Sweet Grown Alabama exists to connect farmers and families. Consumers can search for locally grown products at SweetGrownAlabama.org, or by looking for the Sweet Grown Alabama logo when shopping.