HUNTSVILLE— Sweet Grown Alabama held a farmers market at Big Spring Park in downtown Huntsville on Friday where north Alabamians were able to purchase locally grown products and connect with farmers in their surrounding areas. Purchasing from local farmers at Sweet Grown Alabama events is a great opportunity to show support and enjoy Alabama-grown products.

Fourteen vendors attended the farmers market in Big Spring Park. They sold produce, meat, honey products, peanuts and other locally produced items. Consumers in downtown Huntsville were able to taste the “sweet” products Alabama has to offer.

“This was our first time selling our products outside of the farm. The farmers market was an exciting way to meet people outside of my area and display our brand,” said 2 Mile Cattle Company owner Caleb Elrod. “I brought my children to experience a farmers market and selling our products because they are the future owners of 2 Mile Cattle Company.”

Contributing more than $70 billion annually, agriculture is a key component in Alabama’s economy. Studies show that for every dollar spent locally, 60 cents are reinvested into the community. Consumers can ensure their hard-earned money stays in Alabama when purchasing Sweet Grown Alabama members’ products.

“Farmers markets are a great place to purchase a variety of local products and feel good about where your money is going,” said Sweet Grown Alabama Director Ellie Watson. “When consumers purchase from local vendors, it helps Alabama’s farm families continue to grow and produce their delicious products.”

Sweet Grown Alabama Founding Member sponsors Alabama Farm Credit and First South Farm Credit were in attendance with lemonade for consumers and take-home items.

Vendors participating in the Sweet Grown Alabama Farmers Market included:

• Alabama Farm Credit
• Alabama Peanut Producers, Houston County
• Alchemy Farms and Plants, Cullman County
• Eastaboga Bee Company, Talladega County
• First South Farm Credit
• Green Acres Organic Pharms Inc., Lauderdale County
• Haynes Family Farms, Cullman County
• J. Calvert Farms, Cullman County
• Maggie Valley Berry Patch, Marshall County
• Reeves Peach Farm, Morgan County
• Rocket City Mushrooms, Limestone County
• Sweet Grown Alabama
• 4G Farms Produce, Jackson County
• 2 Mile Cattle Company, Cullman County

To learn more and find locally grown products in your area, visit SweetGrownAlabama.org.

For another great farmers market opportunity, check out the Madison City Farmers Market on Saturday mornings:

MADISON CITY FARMERS MARKET • Madison City Farmers Market, open every Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon, is the area’s original local, producer-only farmers market, founded in 2007. Everything sold at the market is grown or crafted by local farmers and craftspeople. The vendors provide a wide selection of the freshest local veggies, fruits, cheese, eggs, meats, milk, herbs, honey, jams, relishes, home-baked goods, plants and flowers. The Madison City Farmers Market is Located at 1088 Hughes Road, Madison at Trinity Baptist Church. Check online for more information and updates: www.madisoncityfarmersmarket.com