Nominate Farmers for AFVGA Awards, Apply for Innovation Challenge

By Maggie Gaddy

The Alabama Fruit & Vegetable Growers Association (AFVGA) is seeking nominations for its annual awards program, while accepting applications for its innovation contest - the Grow Forward Award.

Applications are due Nov. 1. Winners will be honored in February during the AFVGA Annual Conference in Gulf Shores. View awards here.

Annual awards include:

• AFVGA Partner of the Year: Presented to an individual or company whose exceptional contributions have significantly elevated the association and the horticulture industry. This honor recognizes those who have gone above and beyond to support and advance collective goals, driving innovation and growth.
• AFVGA Service to Horticulture: Awarded to an individual from a university, Extension service or government agency who has demonstrated outstanding dedication to the promotion, research, education, training and service of the horticulture industry. This award celebrates those who have made significant impacts through their unwavering commitment and expertise.
• AFVGA Exceptional Achievement Award: The highest honor bestowed by the association, this award recognizes an individual, family or partnership engaged in horticultural farming. It acknowledges those involved in marketing, environmental stewardship or agritourism who derive a portion of their income from farm-related ventures. The AFVGA Exceptional Achievement Award is presented to those who have persevered through adversity, whether due to weather, crop loss or other uncontrollable challenges, and have succeeded in producing outstanding results. This honors those who go the extra mile for their family, friends, community and industry.

The AFVGA Grow Forward Award, sponsored by First South Farm Credit, honors Alabama fruit and vegetable growers who are shaping the future of specialty crop production through bold ideas, strategic thinking and strong leadership.

Competition finalists will present their farm story and ideas for industry growth to a panel of expert judges during the AFVGA Annual Conference & Trade Show in February. Finalists will be selected based on scored applications. Participants will be evaluated on strength of vision, execution and potential for positive change. The winner will receive $5,000.

AFVGA Executive Director Blake Thaxton thanked First South Farm Credit for supporting young farm families on the rise.

"We're excited for this year's finalists to inspire us with their bold and creative ideas to help Alabama grow forward in the specialty crop industry," Thaxton said.

Applicants will be evaluated on how they address key challenges in production, marketing, labor, technology or sustainability. For beginner farmers, a well-defined growth plan and potential for lasting impact are essential. Leadership, creativity and a drive to improve Alabama's specialty crop industry are at the heart of this recognition.

For more information, visit https://www.afvga.org/awards. Questions? Contact AFVGA Executive Director Blake Thaxton at [email protected].