Anniston, AL — Longleaf Botanical Gardens recently hosted its annual Tomato & Watermelon Tasting on Thursday, July 17, at the Longleaf Event Center. The event combined two Southern summer staples in one flavorful gathering, offering creative tastings, refreshing beverages, and informative displays for attendees of all ages.
The evening featured inventive dishes like watermelon gazpacho, tomato jam with cream cheese and crackers, a watermelon-based Caprese-style salad with feta and balsamic vinegar, and savory tomato pie. Guests also enjoyed a house-made watermelon drink with coconut milk and vanilla, all prepared with the help of the Art and Education Committee.
To cap off the event, a random drawing awarded three guests with whole watermelons — two Black Diamond varieties and one seedless — showcasing locally grown produce. The festive tasting not only spotlighted culinary creativity but also underscored the importance of supporting local agriculture and sustainable farming.
This celebration of homegrown fruits comes at a time when Alabama farmers are seeing renewed hope for the future of their operations. Members of the Alabama Fruit & Vegetable Growers Association (AFVGA) recently welcomed a federal decision to end the U.S.-Mexico Tomato Suspension Agreement, a move they believe will help level the playing field for local tomato producers.
Former President Donald J. Trump reinstated a 17% tariff on fresh Mexican tomatoes on July 14. AFVGA Executive Director Blake Thaxton called the decision “long overdue,” noting that Alabama growers have struggled for decades under what they considered an imbalanced system favoring imported produce.
“This gives our family farms a real chance to thrive again,” Thaxton said. “Our growers are committed to producing Sweet Grown Alabama tomatoes for our communities — and now they can do so on an even playing field.”
Chad Smith of Smith Tomato in St. Clair County shared that the tariff is already bringing renewed interest in local tomatoes from buyers. “This is a life saver to many farmers who have much higher costs and restrictions than our neighboring countries,” Smith said, emphasizing the importance of fair competition for long-term sustainability and food security.
Blount County farmer Destiny Allman Gladden also voiced support, saying the decision could help ensure the future of family-run farms like Allman Farms & Orchards. “Ending the Tomato Suspension Agreement feels like the first win we’ve had in years that might actually benefit us,” she said.
As events like Longleaf’s tasting draw attention to the flavors and value of locally grown produce, Alabama’s farming families are hopeful that policy shifts and community support will ensure their place at the table for generations to come.
