Larry LouAllen of Lawrence County has spent decades serving the horticulture community and his dedication was recognized on Feb. 5 when he received the Exceptional Achievement Award from the Alabama Fruit & Vegetable Growers Association (AFVGA).

The award, presented during the AFVGA’s annual conference and trade show in Gulf Shores, is the association’s highest honor. It recognizes individuals, families, or organizations actively involved in horticulture who go above and beyond for their community, fellow farmers, and the industry.

LouAllen, a fourth-generation farmer, has served on the AFVGA board for 12 years, helping shape policies that affect specialty crop production. “I thank this group for allowing me to serve them,” LouAllen said. “Serving AFVGA has been a highlight of my life. I am honored. I am also filled with hope seeing so many young people here involved in agriculture.”

At LouAllen Farms in Moulton, he grows fruits and vegetables, raises ornamental plants and cattle, and operates a farm store converted from an old horse barn. The store features Sweet Grown Alabama products, including farm-grown cornmeal, sold to hundreds of customers each year.

LouAllen has also played a key role in establishing two farmers markets in North Alabama, providing local farmers the opportunity to sell directly to consumers. His community involvement extends beyond farming; he is a board member of the Lawrence County Farmers Federation, a former county commissioner, and a Sunday school teacher at Pleasant Ridge Holy Church of Christ.

Off the farm, family remains a top priority for LouAllen and his wife, Bonita. They are parents to two sons, Joey and Justin, and grandparents to several grandchildren. Reflecting on his career, LouAllen said, “I always say you’ll never fail at anything if you don’t try it. I was never afraid to try something, even if I failed.”

AFVGA is an affiliated association of the Alabama Farmers Federation.