Sweet Grown Alabama Celebrates Locally Grown Products and Farmers for Sweet Grown Alabama Day 2023
July 23, 2023
As a celebration of locally grown products and Alabama farmers, Sweet Grown Alabama, the state’s non-profit agricultural branding program, hosted the second “Sweet Grown Alabama Day” on July 22. Thirteen farmers markets across the state participated with special events, including giveaways, free samples, kids’ areas, live music and more. Consumers not located near one of these special events were encouraged to visit a local market or store, 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 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 percent 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.
The Tuscaloosa River Market participated in Sweet Grown Alabama Day by hosting special events. Attendees were able to purchase from 45 different vendors, with products from blueberries to beef. Market goers enjoyed watermelon slices handed out by “Ms. Watermelon”, the Tuscaloosa River Market watermelon mascot. Operations Manager Alexis Clark said attendees were excited about how sweet and delicious Alabama grown produce is.
“Sweet Grown Alabama Day 2023 was a great day at the Tuscaloosa River Market, our customers especially loved the watermelon slice giveaway,” Clark said. “I dressed in a watermelon costume and engaged with customers young and old.”
Sweet Grown Alabama Day allowed community members to engage with farmers and product makers 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. A goodie basket full of products grown in Alabama was given away to one consumer who shared about supporting local on social media.
“Visiting a farmers market is just one of the many ways you can support Alabama farmers,” said Sweet Grown Alabama Assistant Director Aisling Fields. “Purchasing from your local farmer, a restaurant that serves local food or shopping at a grocery store that sells local products are all great ways to continue to ensure Alabama’s economy will thrive.”
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 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 SweetGrownAlabama.org, or by looking for the Sweet Grown Alabama logo when shopping.