Holiday Agriculture Push Strengthens Farms Across the Southeast

Across the Southeast this season, several agriculture departments are spotlighting efforts that strengthen local farms and reduce waste. In Alabama, the Department of Agriculture and Industries awarded $1.3 million through the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure Program to Boozer Farms and J. Durbin Farms. The funding will help turn cosmetically imperfect produce into value-added products such as jams and sauces, cutting waste and supporting farm viability.

https://agi.alabama.gov/2025/11/rfsi-grant-helps-reduce-produce-waste-in-alabama/

In Georgia, the Georgia Department of Agriculture, Georgia Grown, and the Farmers and Consumers Market Bulletin released the 2025 Christmas Tree Farm Guide. The guide helps families locate fresh-cut, locally grown trees at nearly one hundred farms across the state, reinforcing the value of Georgia’s specialty crop growers during the holidays.

https://www.agr.georgia.gov/pr/georgia-grown-and-market-bulletin-team-help-families-find-perfect-christmas-tree

Florida families are being encouraged by Commissioner Wilton Simpson to build their Thanksgiving menus around “Fresh From Florida” ingredients. The effort highlights Florida-grown produce, seafood, and dairy and reminds consumers that choosing local directly supports the farmers who anchor the state’s food economy. And, hey, you should have already gotten those groceries, but a good resource just the same.

https://www.fdacs.gov/News-Events/Press-Releases/2025-Press-Releases/Commissioner-Wilton-Simpson-Invites-Families-to-Enjoy-a-Fresh-From-Florida-Thanksgiving