Sweet Grown Alabama is proud to recognize the Alabama Association of RC&D Councils for a four-year commitment to the organization as a founding member, the highest level of financial sponsorship.

“RC&D Councils across Alabama have supported agriculture for over 50 years. When Ellie Watson and Commissioner Rick Pate met with our board and explained the purpose of Sweet Grown Alabama, the board and I were excited about how this effort could positively impact local farmers and benefit our citizens,” said Mike Roden, executive director of the Alabama Association of RC&D Councils. “We commend Ellie and her whole team for making this idea a reality, and we are pleased to play a small part in this effort.”

Sweet Grown Alabama is a non-profit foundation that enhances marketing opportunities for Alabama farmers by connecting retailers and consumers to Alabama-grown foods and other agricultural products. Farmers, product makers, restaurants, retailers and others are encouraged to join the branding program and use the Sweet Grown Alabama logo on their locally grown products.

The Alabama Association of RC&D Council’s financial support will help Sweet Grown Alabama connect Alabama farmers and families.

Funds will be used to encourage purchasing of locally-grown products through traditional and digital marketing.

Consumers can search for a variety of products grown in Alabama – including produce, cotton goods, container plants, peanuts, meat, honey and more – at www.sweetgrownalabama.org.

“The Alabama Association of RC&D Councils was the first group outside of the project creators to step up and financially support Sweet Grown Alabama,” said Ellie Watson, Sweet Grown Alabama director. “This early support for our nonprofit was critical in helping Sweet Grown Alabama succeed from its inception. Our values align well with those of RC&D, and we are thrilled to work together to help Alabama thrive.”

Because of COVID-19, plans for a dinner using Sweet Grown Alabama ingredients at the RC&D Annual Meeting were canceled, but organizers said they hope to see this celebration happen in the future.