MONTGOMERY – The Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries welcomed guests from across the state on June 24 for its annual Tomato Sandwich Lunch, celebrating Alabama agriculture and the peak of the summer growing season.

The annual event highlighted Alabama-grown tomatoes, sweet corn and lettuce while showcasing a variety of products manufactured in Alabama. Attendees enjoyed items including Golden Flake chips, Blue Bell ice cream, Flowers Bakery bread, Milo’s Tea and Buffalo Rock soft drinks.

Farmers, agricultural leaders, elected officials and members of the public gathered to recognize the contributions of Alabama’s farming community and the producers who supply fresh, locally grown food throughout the state.

“The Tomato Sandwich Lunch is more than a meal. It’s a celebration of our state’s agricultural commodities and to highlight the importance of supporting local farmers,” Alabama Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries Rick Pate said. “There’s nothing quite like Alabama-grown produce in the summertime and then having the opportunity to purchase locally grown products just steps away at the Sweet Grown Alabama Farmers Market.”

The event also promoted the Sweet Grown Alabama program, which encourages consumers to purchase products grown and harvested by Alabama farmers and fishermen. As part of the celebration, the Sweet Grown Alabama team hosted a pop-up farmers market featuring locally produced fruits and vegetables, beef, pork, honey, jams and jellies, pecans and other Alabama-made products.

According to the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries, the annual Tomato Sandwich Lunch is part of its ongoing efforts to highlight the importance of agriculture to Alabama’s economy and recognize the growers whose work helps feed communities across the state.

This year’s event was supported by numerous sponsors, including McKenzie Farms of Fairhope, Aplin Farms of Slocomb, Extreme Green Farms of Auburn, Flowers Bakery, Milo’s Tea, Bud’s Best Cookies, Buffalo Rock, Blue Bell, Utz, Golden Flake, Mehearg Farms of Wetumpka, Wrights Produce of Montgomery and the Alabama Grocers Association.