ASSOCIATIONS AND SUPPORT
Alabama has several agricultural organizations including the Farmers Market Authority, focused on getting produce from farm to consumer; the Alabama Farmers Federation, an organization of county representatives who gather to promote farm-related economic, social, and educational interests; the Alabama Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association, a member-based group that organizes conferences for growers; and the Alabama Citrus Growers Association, a grass-roots organization looking for ways to protect Alabama commercial citrus from pests and disease migrating from neglected homeowner crops or produce arriving from other states.
“Our citrus industry is relatively small and trying to grow,” Williams remarks. “They’re trying to organize to get protection from citrus greening and mold from neighboring Florida crops, because anyone can plant a Satsuma tree there. Contamination from sick trees can destroy the industry crop. It’s a lot like when we were trying to eradicate the cotton boll weevil and people were planting cotton in their yards—if pests aren’t managed, it can be a problem.”
Alabama Fruits & Vegetables Seasonal Availability
Commodity and Peak Availability
Apples – June to October
Asparagus – March to June
Beans – May to November
Bell peppers – June to September
Blueberries – May to August
Cabbage – April to June
Collard greens – October to June
Eggplant – June to October
Figs – July to October
Kale – October to June
Okra – July to September
Peaches – May to September
Peas – April to October
Pumpkins – September & October
Squash – April to December
Sweet Potatoes – June to November
Tomatoes – June to OctoberSources: Alabama Cooperative Extension System, Alabama Farmers Market.
HOT POCKETS OF ORGANICS
Organic products play a small role in Alabama produce compared to other areas of the country, but the category seems to be gaining momentum. “We do some organics,” Williams points out. “It’s an area that has seen growth over the past year and there seems to be more demand. I think consumers’ knowledge and sense of health-consciousness are growing. Years ago, it was hard to convert people to organic because of the price differential. It’s not the biggest category, but it seems to be growing.”
