Sweet Grown Alabama News

Sweet Grown Alabama was honored to host members of the Alabama Legislature at the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association in downtown Montgomery on April 3. As a celebration of locally grown products, Alabama farmers and boosting Alabama’s economy, Sweet Grown Alabama, the state’s non-profit agricultural branding program, hosted a legislative luncheon catered by members FDL – Gourmet To Go featuring locally grown products.

FDL – Gourmet To Go strives to include seasonal products in all of their dishes. Chef Preston Williams knows the difference cooking with local makes.

Williams has built relationships with local farmers to highlight fresh produce and takes pleasure in cooking with local products.

“I enjoy cooking with local products not just because they are better and of a higher quality, but because I have developed relationships with local farmers and I get to support my friends,” Williams said.

Among other farmers, Sweet Grown Alabama member Chris Upchurch from Rockin’ U Farm, a cattle farm in Lineville, was in attendance. He expressed the importance of being able to network with members of the state legislature and how important their continued support is for Alabama farmers.

“Being out on the farm you don’t always get the chance to take time and talk face-to-face with public officials,” Upchurch said. “This is the perfect atmosphere to connect with our legislators on issues farmers are concerned with."

Sweet Grown Alabama’s legislative luncheon allowed members to engage with legislators and enjoy a meal together displaying our states exceptional products.

“Support from our state legislature is crucial to continue Sweet Grown Alabama’s mission,” said Sweet Grown Alabama Director Ellie Watson. “It’s an honor we get to showcase these delicious products and the farmers that grew them all while thanking the legislature for supporting Sweet Grown Alabama.”

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.

Featured farms included: 

• CK Cattle beef
• Bayou Cora Farms cornmeal
• Blue Ribbon Dairy milk
• Medders Family Farm peanut butter
• Sugar Hill U-Pick Farms strawberries
• Wildly Blessed honey

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.