Buy Local Challenge aims to help Maryland farmers
In effort to boost the local farm economy, the Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission will head a new fresh produce initiative starting Monday.
If every household in Southern Maryland spent $12 per week on local produce for 8 weeks, $54 million would go directly back to their farmers, according to Christine Bergmark, director of the commission.
The Buy Local Challenge, which runs through July 28, will encourage residents to buy from farms, markets, wineries and restaurants that serve local farm food and wine.
The challenge asks residents to eat at least one item from a local farm every day during next week.
“Participation is simple,” said Bergmark. “It can be as basic as putting local tomatoes in your salad or sandwich.”
The 8-year-old Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission consists of the region’s elected officials and local government, representatives from higher education centers and agricultural sectors, private sector, business and finance representatives, and farmers quick payday.
The Commission, with the Tri-County Council for Southern Maryland, has developed and revised the Tobacco Transition and Southern Maryland Strategic Plan for Agriculture.
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