May 23, 2013
The Alabama Department of Agriculture is getting a big hand from a famous homegrown musician in a bid to help state farmers.
Television commercials, billboards and posters are popping up statewide. They tout Alabama produce as "A-plus" and encourage Alabama consumers to buy homegrown products.
The 30-second television spot features Ag Commissioner Ron Sparks and Alabama lead singer Randy Owen. Owen is also a member of the state Board of Agriculture and Industries.
The campaign also features billboards along Alabama's highways and labels on products identifying them as Alabama grown.
The new ad campaign was paid for by a U.S. Department of Agriculture grant.
Sparks says it should help farmers who are reeling from a very wet spring that saw flooding through much of the state.
Sparks says the campaign is only the beginning of a multi-faceted plan to help farmers.
