Alfa Insurance and Alabama Farmers Federation employees got a fresh taste of Alabama agriculture when seven farms from Chilton to Baldwin counties sold produce at the Alfa Farmers Market  Day, June 28.

The annual market day, held at Alfa’s home office in Montgomery, allowed employees to buy farm-fresh produce and homemade baked goods, jams and jellies just in time for the Fourth of July.

Alfa Insurance employee Courtney Zeigler said she loves buying quality food directly from farmers.

“I love knowing exactly where my food comes from,” Zeigler said. “My mom makes the best peach cobbler, and the peaches I bought were perfect for our Fourth of July dessert.”

Other popular items included tomatoes, okra, local honey, sweet corn and watermelons.

The market provides a convenient opportunity for employees to support local agriculture while also stocking up on fresh produce, said Federation Horticulture Division Director Mac Higginbotham.

“We have some of the best farmers selling some of the best products here at the market,” Higginbotham said. “This is a great chance for company employees to meet some of our Federation members and purchase high-quality produce.”

Rachell Penton of Penton Farms in Chilton County said she was encouraged by the enthusiasm of Alfa employees.

“I think it’s great to support local farmers,” Penton said. “Farmers work hard to provide our food. This is a great way to help them.”

Not only was produce popular at the market, Felicia Moore, who owns Pintlala Pantry in Montgomery County, sold jellies, cakes and cheese wafers.

“A lot of people just don’t bake anymore,” she said. “It’s nice to eat homemade items that are created from products like milk and flour that come from farmers.”

Additionally, Stacey Cockrell, who works in Alfa Corporate Services and Reporting, won a basket of Alabama-grown goodies through the Market Day Facebook contest.

Other vendors were Aplin Farms of Geneva County, Ballard Creek Farms of Lowndes County, Cassebaum Farms of Baldwin County, G&G Farm of Chilton County and Oakview Farms Granary of Elmore County.