Alabama Groups Launch ‘Down To Earth’ Sustainability Campaign

Alabama Groups Launch ‘Down To Earth’ Sustainability Campaign

MONTGOMERY, Ala.- Alabama agriculture and forestry organizations are launching Down to Earth: Agriculture Sustains Alabama — a yearlong campaign promoting conservation techniques farmers and landowners practice across the state.

Through farmer-led discussion, Down to Earth will show sustainability isn’t just a buzzword gaining momentum as regulations trickle down from Washington, D.C. It’s a mindset farmers have implemented for years while fueling their farms, families and communities.

“When you buy Sweet Grown Alabama products, not only are you reducing fuel emissions but you are supporting farmers who adhere to the highest-level of sustainable growing practices," said Sweet Grown Alabama Director Ellie Watson. "That's why Sweet Grown Alabama is proud to be part of the Down to Earth campaign. Our farmers do an incredible job protecting the environment, and it's time we as an industry do a better job sharing that story with consumers." 

Down to Earth will cover six topics through March 2023 — carbon emissions, animal and plant efficiency, data and technology, conserving natural resources, smart land use and sustaining for the future. The goal is to reach at least 1 million consumers with Down to Earth messages centered on sustainability.

A team of farmer-spokespeople representing various commodities, counties and backgrounds will spread the Down to Earth message via personal social media channels, interviews with media and features in partner publications. Additionally, Simply Southern TV will feature Ask a Farmer segments focused on each topic.

In addition to Sweet Grown Alabama, Down to Earth partners include the Alabama Agribusiness Council, the Alabama Association of RC&D Councils, the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association (ACA), the Alabama Cooperative Extension System, the Alabama Department of Agriculture & Industries, the Alabama Farmers Federation, the Alabama Forestry Commission and the Alabama Poultry & Egg Association (APEA). Additional funding is provided by a growing slate of sponsors.

 “As farmers and ranchers, we have an incredible story to tell,” said ACA’s Kayla Greer, who co-chairs the Down to Earth committee with APEA’s Caleb Hicks. “Our goal is to amplify that message, and that is exactly what Down to Earth is designed to do.”

The Down to Earth campaign includes a fact-packed website at DowntoEarthAL.com, social media advertisements, events and bimonthly press releases. FFA groups, 4-H clubs and civic organizations will help share Down to Earth’s sustainability message. Down to Earth was also Alabama Farm-City’s 2021 theme. Winning posters, essays and multi-media presentations will be honored during the Alabama Farm-City Awards Luncheon in Birmingham April 7.

Down to Earth: Agriculture Sustains Alabama debuts March 31 during a kickoff event from 4-6:30 p.m. at the Pike Road Agriculture, Recreation and Performing Arts Center. The event features family friendly farm-related activities and displays, food and media competitions. 

Interact with Down to Earth on social media by searching @DowntoEarthAL.

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About Down To Earth Alabama: Down to Earth is a collaborative communications campaign designed to be a voice for agricultural stakeholders in Alabama to promote the sustainable, conservation-minded practices farmers, ranchers and forest landowners are already implementing. To learn more, visit www.downtoearthal.com.

About Sweet Grown Alabama: Sweet Grown Alabama is a non-profit foundation that connects consumers to locally grown products. Participating members display the Sweet Grown Alabama logo. To learn more, visit www.SweetGrownAlabama.org.