Sweet Grown Alabama launches statewide branding program

In today’s world, it can seem impossible to identify where food is grown and what to trust. This is about to change, at least somewhat, as consumers will now be able to quickly identify what is grown in Alabama with the Sweet Grown Alabama logo.

 “As I travel across the state, most of the questions I receive from consumers are about their food and where it comes from,” said Commissioner Rick Pate of the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries. “We want residents of Alabama to walk into a grocery store or farmers’ market and easily identify products grown in Alabama. 

“The Sweet Grown Alabama brand logo will allow them to do so and ensure the product they purchase is grown to the highest standards of quality and food safety.”

Franklin County Extension Coordinator Katernia Cole-Coffey said the Sweet Grown Alabama logo provides a great marketing opportunity to appeal to consumers.

“If something is made by your neighbor or someone else in Alabama, you’re going to pick that over something that you have no idea where it is from,” she said. “It really is a no brainer.”

Jimmy Parnell, president of the Alabama Farmers Federation, said his organization is “proud to be part of this effort to provide additional marketing opportunities for Alabama farmers.”

“Our goal is to increase demand for Alabama-grown products and, ultimately, improve sales and profitability for farm families,” Parnell explained. “Alabama is among America’s most agriculturally-diverse states, and Sweet Grown Alabama gives us a chance to showcase the quality and variety of our products.”

Program membership is available in three different categories, based on the company’s annual sales.

“By strengthening agriculture, Sweet Grown Alabama will benefit the entire state,” said Horace Horn, PowerSouth Energy Cooperative’s vice president of external affairs. “Agriculture already contributes $70 billion to Alabama’s economy and accounts for more than 500,000 jobs. Sweet Grown Alabama will enhance economic development in rural communities by giving farmers and associated businesses additional resources for marketing.”