By Gerri Miller
EAN Staff Writer
In front of a field with cotton as far as you could see, the City of Prattville, the Prattville Chamber of Commerce and the Autauga County Commission signed proclamations declaring November 16-20 to be Farm City Week.
Chamber President Patty VanderWal said the special week celebrates farms and what they bring to communities. She said the week is also meant to celebrate and highlight the relationship between farmers and urban communities. This year’s Farm City theme as well as the state’s agriculture brand is “Sweet Grown Alabama.”
“In Autauga County there are more than 370 farms, and the average size of these farms is 305 acres. Approximately 58 percent of these farms provide crops and 42 percent of these farms are providing livestock, poultry and products,” VanderWal said. “During this week, we are honored and proud to celebrate agriculture’s contribution to the foundation and economic success of the Prattville and Autauga community. Agriculture, forestry, and related industries have a total economic impact of $915 million and 7,328 jobs in our community and that is really something to celebrate!”
Prattville Mayor Bill Gillespie said the celebration shows the community’s roots. “Every day when we get up and eat breakfast, we should thank a farmer,” Gillespie said. He said there have been many changes in the agriculture field that have come with growth and education. He said Farm City Week is meant to identify, educate and celebrate by highlighting the importance of agriculture to the local economy, celebrating the local farming community and educating residents about the connection between the economies.
The is the 38th year for Prattville/Autauga County Farm City Week. This year’s celebration is different because of COVID-19 and the need for social distancing. An annual banquet is normally planned but had to be cancelled this year. This year the celebration is virtual. Follow the Prattville Chamber’s social media channels as they highlight the importance of farmers, agriculture and related industries in the area.
Students in the Autauga County School System are participating in Farm City this week by creating posters and writing essays using the Sweet Grown Alabama theme. Sweet Grown Alabama aims to strengthen the connection between farm and fork by helping consumers identify Alabama-grown products and families who produce them.
