Sweet Grown Alabama News

Sweet Grown Alabama hosted a pop-up farmers market on Wednesday, June 24, in conjunction with the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries' Annual Tomato Sandwich Lunch at the Ed Teague Arena in Montgomery.

The market featured Sweet Grown Alabama members from across the state offering a variety of fresh, local products, including seasonal produce, value-added goods and specialty food items. Visitors attending the popular Tomato Sandwich Lunch had the opportunity to meet Alabama farmers and purchase products directly from those who grow and produce them.

The annual event celebrated Alabama agriculture while connecting consumers with the farmers, fishermen and food producers who help feed communities across the state.

"This pop-up farmers market has become a favorite tradition alongside the Tomato Sandwich Lunch," said Aisling Walding, Assistant Director of Sweet Grown Alabama. "This event gave consumers a chance to not only enjoy Alabama-grown tomatoes but also discover the wide variety of products available from local farmers and producers. We were proud to provide a space where members could showcase their businesses and build relationships with customers."

The Tomato Sandwich Lunch, hosted annually by the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries, continued its tradition of showcasing Alabama agriculture through one of the state's favorite summer meals. Guests enjoyed fresh tomato sandwiches featuring tomatoes from Aplin Farms in Slocomb and lettuce from Extreme Green Farms in Auburn, along with sweet corn provided by McKenzie Farms in Fairhope. Through the lunch and the accompanying farmers market, attendees had the opportunity to directly support Alabama farmers and enjoy the bounty of locally grown products.

Among the participating vendors was Jones Farm, a longtime supporter of Sweet Grown Alabama.

"We always enjoy being part of the pop-up farmers market because it allows us to connect directly with people who care about where their food comes from," said Daniel Jones of Jones Farm. "Events like this help strengthen the relationship between farmers and consumers while highlighting the great products we have right here in Alabama."

Vendors in attendance included: 

Evans Farms, Verbena

Flying Bassett Farm, Forest Home

Jones Farm, Prattville

Moo Maven, Prattville

Palmer Farms, Wetumpka

Wildly Blessed, Eclectic

The Tomato Sandwich Lunch celebrated Alabama agriculture and drew hundreds of visitors. The addition of the pop-up farmers market provided attendees with even more opportunities to support take-home fresh Alabama products.