By Maggie Edwards

Bigger at the beach was the overarching theme of the Alabama Fruit & Vegetable Growers Association (AFVGA) Annual Conference Feb. 5-7.

It was also the motivation behind increasing the trade show space to allow farmers like Chad and Esther Smith to engage with even more exhibitors. Those relationships will bear fruit at their Smith Tomato Farm in St. Clair County, Chad said.

“It takes a great group of people around your farm to be successful,” said Chad, a newly elected AFVGA board member. “The folks who supply us products are on our team, too. One great thing about coming to this conference is meeting new people, like vendors and other farmers. You solve each other’s problems together as a team.” 

The growing conference expanded its networking opportunities as 41 vendors and almost 300 attendees gathered in Gulf Shores.

It’s special to be a part of this growth, Esther said. 

“The trade show layout gives exhibitors a chance to have one-on-one interactions with producers,” Esther said. “Farmers are looking for the next best thing. If we are sitting at home during an event like this, then we aren’t growing, and we aren’t learning. The association has gone above everyone’s expectations.”

Lawrence County’s Larry LouAllen said he’s proud of AFVGA’s evolution.

“I remember when the conference brought in about two dozen people,” said LouAllen, an AFVGA board member. “Opportunities for specialty crops in Alabama are at a peak. If we continue to pull together, we will see great things happening.” 

Educational sessions are key for the AFVGA Conference. During the event, participants heard topics ranging from strawberry plug production and freeze protection to social media marketing and sales tax exemptions.

A new addition was Farm Market Speed Dating sponsored by Sweet Grown Alabama. The workshop allowed farmers to visit with farm-market owners to develop relationships. 

“It was a unique opportunity for small-scale and wholesale farmers to meet new businesses and expand their markets to different parts of the state,” said Sweet Grown Alabama Director Ellie Watson. “It’s about helping farmers get higher prices for their products and selling them at a premium at locations that have established a rapport with consumers.” 

The Family Luau allowed for casual networking and a chance to support the Jimmy Witt Memorial Scholarship fund. This year’s auction fundraiser raised over $3,000 to support students pursuing degrees in horticulture. 

The 2024 scholarship recipient, Lee County’s Nate Payne, provided the devotion during the AFVGA Business Meeting, while two outstanding individuals were honored for service to the industry.

Morgan County’s Mike Reeves of Reeves Peach Farm received the AFVGA Exceptional Achievement Award. During Reeves’ time with Alabama Extension, he supported countless farmers with resources and guidance. He’s also a founding member of AFVGA. 

“The award coming from this group means more to me than anything,” Reeves said. “The achievement to me is getting my farm to where it’s an option for my children to continue operating the land and being successful.”

The Partner of the Year Award was presented to Mel Wade, an outside salesman for the Blount County Farmers Cooperative.

“Whether delivering products to the farm, taking soil and water samples, or offering advice, Mel approaches every task with a passion for helping customers meet the challenges of fruit and vegetable production,” said AFVGA Executive Director Blake Thaxton. 

More conference highlights included an informational farmer-panel; farm tours to Fish River Trees and McKenzie Farms; and the annual variety trial showcase. 

The 2026 conference will be Feb. 4-6 in Gulf Shores. 

AFVGA is an affiliate partner of the Alabama Farmers Federation. Learn more about AFVGA here.