As summer is in full swing, farmers markets abound, and fresh fruit, vegetables, meats and dairy are readily available, Maryland takes center stage. Along the east coast, developments have mostly trumped farmland – but Maryland is one of the few states to not only have robust agriculture to this day but also support residents and visitors to Buy Local.
The facts:
- 77 percent of Marylanders are more likely to buy produce that is grown by a Maryland farmer
- 44 percent say they are willing to pay some premium for farm products that would support local farmers. (The University of Baltimore Schaefer Center for Public Policy)
That’s why the Maryland Office of Tourism is spotlighting state farms this month, and encouraging Maryland residents and visitors to take the Buy Local Challenge. The goal? Eating at least one item from a local farm every day during Buy Local Week, running from July 21 to 29, and supporting independent and family-owned farms and vendors.
Maryland also has nearly 500 dairy farms in the state, seven of which offer fresh, delicious on-farm ice cream. Together, those seven make up the newly minted Maryland’s Best Ice Cream Trail.
Related articles
