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COVID-19

April 7, 2020

UPDATED: FAQs & Operational Guidance for Farmers Market Managers and Vendors During COVID-19 Response

Farmers markets and farm stands remain essential during the state’s response to COVID-19. The Maryland Department of Agriculture has provided additional guidance for farmers market managers and vendors to ensure the safety of their staff, vendors and customers.

FAQs for Farmers Market Managers and Vendors during COVID-19 Response

Recommended Operational Guidance for Farmers Markets

April 6, 2020

Buy Local During Stay at Home Order

New Resources Connect Consumers with Farmers, Producers, and Restaurants 

ANNAPOLIS, MD—Food and agriculture businesses remain essential under Governor Larry Hogan’s Stay at Home order; including grocery stores, farmers markets, farm stands, and restaurants offering carry-out and delivery service. In compliance with the governor’s order, the Maryland Department of Agriculture’s marketing program, Maryland’s Best, is working to  connect Marylanders with farmers and seafood producers providing fresh, local food products. The program is also working with state and industry partners to promote restaurants offering carry-out and delivery services. (more…)

March 30, 2020

Guidance for Food Supply Chain During “Stay at Home” Order

Governor Larry Hogan has issued an executive order requiring Marylanders to “Stay at Home,” effective 8 p.m  March 30, 2020. As the state moves into the next phase of its efforts to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, essential industries are encouraged to continue operations while implementing best practices designed to protect employees, customers and the general public. (more…)

March 27, 2020

Keeping the Food Supply Chain Strong During COVID-19 Response

MD Secretary of Agriculture Joe BartenfelderAs published in the March 27 edition of Lancaster Farming

By Secretary Joe Bartenfelder

As we wrap up National Agriculture Week, I think it is safe to say that this year’s celebration has looked a lot different than it has in years past. I want to thank each and every one of you for all that you have been doing, and will continue to do, to make sure that our food supply chain remains strong throughout these uncertain times. (more…)

March 23, 2020

Governor Hogan Announces Closure of All Non-Essential Businesses, $175 Million Relief Package for Workers and Small Businesses Affected By COVID-19

ANNAPOLIS, MD—Governor Larry Hogan today ordered the closure of all non-essential businesses in the state and announced a $175 million relief package to assist employees, small businesses, and nonprofit organizations affected by the coronavirus pandemic. The governor again urged Marylanders to help their neighbors by staying home in order to slow the spread of COVID-19. (more…)

March 19, 2020

Farmers Markets Should Continue Operations During State of Emergency


ANNAPOLIS, MD—The Maryland Department of Agriculture considers farmers markets an essential business and an important source of food for many Marylanders. The department is asking that farmers markets remain open during the current state of emergency. (more…)

COVID-19: Update to Food Supply Chain

As the State of Maryland continues its unprecedented response to COVID-19, the Maryland Department of Agriculture is emphasizing the need for businesses involved in the state’s food supply chain to continue production. (more…)

March 17, 2020

Statement from Secretary Joe Bartenfelder on Maintaining Food Supply Chain During State of Emergency

ANNAPOLIS, MD—In response to the State of Maryland’s continuing efforts to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, Maryland Secretary of Agriculture Joe Bartenfelder has issued the following statement regarding the state’s food supply chain:

“Agriculture and food production are essential industries that provide food and fiber for all and play a critical role in the state’s economy. As we continue to navigate these unprecedented times, I want to assure all of our farmers, watermen, producers, agribusinesses, wholesalers, distributors, consumers and the many other members of Maryland’s food supply chain that the state is working hard to continue business as usual with minimal interruptions. (more…)

Department Operations During State of Emergency

Response to COVID-19 Emergency Orders

ANNAPOLIS, MD—In response to Governor Larry Hogan’s unprecedented actions taken to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, the Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) is implementing policies to limit in-person transactions and safeguard the health of its employees, stakeholders and the general public.  (more…)

COVID-19

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