Sweet Grown Alabama and Alabama Agribusiness Council Co-Host Legislative Luncheon to Honor State Lawmakers
February 12, 2025
Sweet Grown Alabama, in partnership with the Alabama Agribusiness Council, hosted a special legislative luncheon in downtown Montgomery February 11 to express gratitude to state lawmakers for their ongoing support of Alabama’s agriculture industry. The luncheon, catered by Sweet Grown Alabama members FDL-Gourmet To Go featured a menu highlighting locally sourced products from Alabama farmers, showcasing the quality and diversity of the state’s agricultural offerings.
“This luncheon is our way of saying ‘thank you’ to our legislators for advocating for policies that benefit Alabama’s farmers and for their continued support of Sweet Grown Alabama,” said Ellie Watson, Sweet Grown Alabama director. “By serving locally grown and produced foods, we are reinforcing the importance of supporting our state’s agricultural industry, which plays a vital role in Alabama’s economy.”
Attendees, including state representatives, senators, farmers and agricultural leaders, enjoyed a meal crafted with fresh Sweet Grown Alabama ingredients. The event provided an opportunity for policymakers to connect with farmers and agribusiness professionals, gaining firsthand insight into the challenges within the industry.
Grace Ellis, executive director of the Alabama Agribusiness Council, echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the significance of collaboration between government and the agricultural sector.
“Agriculture is the backbone of our state, and we appreciate our legislators for recognizing its importance,” said Ellis. “By working together, we can continue to strengthen Alabama’s agricultural economy and ensure its future success.”
Sweet Grown Alabama, the state’s agricultural branding program, is dedicated to connecting consumers with locally grown products and promoting farmers, markets, stores and restaurants. Consumers can search for locally grown products at SweetGrownAlabama.org, or by looking for the Sweet Grown Alabama logo when shopping.
Featured farms at the February 11 legislative luncheon included:
- Ireland Farms, Alpine (Mixed greens, Easter egg radishes, hon tsai tai flowering broccoli)
- Hamm Farm, Cullman (yellow granite onions)
- Whited Farms, Oneonta (broccoli, Russian kale)
- Diamond D Ranch, Ramer (beef)