July 30, 2026

Kick-Off the 2026 Farmers Market Week in Reisterstown on August 2!

ANNAPOLIS, MD (July 30, 2026)– On Sunday, August 2, 2026, join Maryland’s Best to kick-off Maryland Farmers Market Week at the Reisterstown Farmers Market! To celebrate this national recognition of the vital role farmers play in our food system, Maryland Governor Wes Moore has declared August 2-8, 2026 as Maryland Farmers Market Week. 

Maryland’s Best—the marketing arm of the Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA)—will be at the Reisterstown Farmers Market, located outside of Franklin Middle School, from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. ET. The celebration will feature a chef competition sponsored by the Restaurant Association of Maryland and the World Food Championships. 

Competitors will have to shop from the local farmers market and use at least five Maryland-grown ingredients in their dish, including at least one protein. Dishes will be judged by a blind panel of judges including MDA Chief of Staff Harrison Palmer, Fox45 BMORE Lifestyle Host Tiffany “Lady T” Watson and Chef Matthew Lego of Leo Annapolis, Maryland’s Best 2026 Chef Partner of the Year. Participants will vie for a “Golden Ticket” that enables them to compete at the World Food Championships, which will be held in Indianapolis, Indiana this October. More information about the cooking competition can be found on the Reisterstown Farmers Market Facebook page. 

“We are incredibly excited to be hosting this year’s competition at the Reisterstown Farmers Market and highlight our wonderful farmers, food producers and vendors who make our local food community so special,” said Samantha Kahan, manager of the Reisterstown Farmers Market. “This event brings farm to table to life, showcasing the freshest local ingredients being grown right here in our community. We look forward to celebrating our chefs, vendors, customers and the vibrant local food community we are building together! 

Maryland’s Best will promote farmers markets throughout the week to encourage consumers to shop local. With over 100 farmers markets throughout the state, consumers can locate the one nearest to them by visiting marylandsbest.net and entering their zip code. 

“We love having a dedicated week to celebrate the farmers, community partners and food access organizations that make Maryland’s farmers markets thrive,” said Maryland Secretary of Agriculture Kevin Atticks. “While fresh, local food is always the highlight, farmers markets are also gathering places that bring communities together and connect people with the farmers who feed them.” 

Many Maryland farmers markets, including the Reisterstown Farmers Market, participate in the Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program, a federally-funded nutrition benefit program administered by MDA. The program connects participants in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) and low-resource older adults to farmers markets and farm stands, where they can purchase fresh fruits, vegetables and cut herbs. 

Of the more than 100 farmers markets across the State, the majority have at least one farmer who participates in FMNP. The digital Farmers Market Directory highlights farmers markets in each of the counties and the federal nutrition benefits that are accepted at each one.

Along with FMNP, the Maryland Market Money program offers a dollar-for-dollar match for purchases made using federal nutrition benefits at participating Maryland farmers markets, farm stands and farms that offer community supported agriculture (CSAs). Maryland Market Money is also administered by MDA and helps to remove economic barriers for Marylanders experiencing food insecurity through its matching program. 

While farmers markets offer a variety of products like produce, honey, eggs, meats, breads, flowers, coffee and even spirits, summer is the peak season for tomatoes, berries, leafy greens and more!  In addition to regular market operations, which can be found in the Directory, many markets across the state will host special events and activities throughout Maryland Farmers Market Week. The following markets will offer unique opportunities for shoppers to celebrate local food, farmers, and their communities:

• 32nd Street Market in Baltimore will celebrate with the following activities:
  • Farm Tractor Photo Ops, courtesy of Gardener’s Gourmet, from 7:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
  • The Trinidad & Tobago Baltimore Steel Band will play live music from 8:00 – 11:00 a.m.
  • Artist Jennifer Kotler will be on-site with her work and to create five-minute market portraits for $5 from 7:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

• Baltimore Farmers Market will commemorate National Farmers Market Week on Sunday, August 2 from 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. with live entertainment, farm-to-table cooking demonstrations, restaurant pop-ups and the opportunity to welcome elected officials, civic leaders and community partners. 
• Boonsboro Farmers Market will celebrate on Tuesday, August 4 with “Shop Local Specials” at participating vendors, as well as a special Scavenger Hunt in the Market for children of any age. 
• Bryans Road Farmers Market will celebrate on Sunday, August 2 by offering an extended schedule from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. There will be music, kids activities, local authors, Charles County Farm Bureau members, a raffle and more.
• Catonsville Farmers Market will have a special event on Wednesday, August 5 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00p.m. and will feature baskets filled with market goodies available for raffle.
• Farmers Market Frederick will host craft activities for children, including vegetable stamping on reusable tote bags at the following locations:
  • YMCA Farmers Market on Tuesday, August 4 from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at 1000 N Market St. Frederick, MD.
  • Field Fresh Farmers Market on Saturday, August 8 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Frederick Fairgrounds Lot A, 797 E. Patrick St. Frederick. MD.
  • Frederick Farmers Market at Sophie & Madigan’s Playground, 632 Contender Way, Frederick, MD on Saturday, August 8 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

• Govans Farmers Market will host their weekly market on Wednesday, August 5 from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. and will feature jam tastings with Shaw Orchards, rock painting activities with Echo Foxtrot, and tasty treats and samples from participating market vendors.
• City of Laurel Farmers Market will give away extra “stamps” as part of their sustainable shopping initiative on Thursday, August 6 from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Customers that tag the market, along with National Farmers Week on their social media, will get two additional stamps. Mention “Happy National Farmers Market Week” at the market and receive one stamp! Stamps can be redeemed for prizes. Every 10th person that says “Happy National Farmers Market Week” to the front desk will receive a commemorative keychain designed by EriTech Consulting.
• Kenilworth Farmers Market will operate on Tuesday, August 4 from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. and offer a special raffle for a basket full of local goodies. 
• Merriweather District Farmers Market will host their weekly market on Thursday, August 6 from 3:00 p.m.to 7:00 p.m. and will feature a full line-up of producers along with live music.
• Additionally, the Community FarmShare Mobile Farm Markets will be at the following locations during the week in Montgomery County:
  • Tuesday, August 4: New Hampshire Estates Elementary School (8720 Carroll Ave, Silver Spring), 4:00 p.m.  to 6:00 p.m.
  • Wednesday, August 5: Burnt Mills Elementary School (415 Prelude Dr, Silver Spring), 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.; Loiederman Middle School (12701 Goodhill Rd, Silver Spring), 5:00 p.m.  to 7: 00 p.m.
  • Thursday, August 6: Arcola Elementary School (1820 Franwall Ave, Silver Spring), 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.; Montgomery Village Middle School (19300 Watkins Mill Rd, Montgomery Village), 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
  • Friday, August 7: Gaithersburg Elementary School (35 N Summit Ave, Gaithersburg), 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

The Farmers Market Coalition offers a free promotional tool kit for any farmers markets that wish to join the celebration.It’s not too late to join in the fun and plan a special activity or event to celebrate your market community! 

For more information, please visit the Maryland Farmers Market page on the MDA website.

July 28, 2026

PUBLIC NOTICE: Unscheduled Mosquito Control Activity in Prince George’s County Planned for July 30

ANNAPOLIS, MD (July 28, 2026) – The Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA), in cooperation with the Prince George’s County Health Department, will expand mosquito control services in areas due to a public health concern over the potential for mosquito-borne diseases.

Ultra-Low Volume (ULV) truck-based spraying to control adult mosquitoes is planned for the evening of Thursday, July 30, 2026 in Bladensburg. Spraying will occur after 9:00 p.m. ET. In the event of inclement weather, spraying will be rescheduled for Friday, July 31, 2026. Any existing spray exemptions in the area will be temporarily suspended. 

MDA Mosquito Control Program personnel will use a permethrin-based solution that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has approved for use in public health mosquito control programs without posing unreasonable risks to human health. However, out of an abundance of caution, MDA recommends avoiding outdoor activities during spraying.

While not all mosquitoes carry diseases, MDA suggests that residents take precautions to minimize their exposure to mosquito bites. These measures include:

• Wear long, loose fitting, light colored clothing.
• Wear insect repellents according to product labels.
• Avoid mosquito infested areas during prime periods of activity (between dusk and dawn).
• Install, inspect, and repair window and door screens in homes and stables.
• Regularly clean bird baths and bowls for pet food and water.
• Remove or empty all water-holding containers.

Routine spray program schedules are available by county on the program’s website. Please contact MDA’s Mosquito Control Program with any questions or concerns at (410) 841-5870.

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July 24, 2026

PUBLIC NOTICE: Unscheduled Mosquito Control Activity in Anne Arundel County Planned for July 28 and 29

ANNAPOLIS, MD (July 24, 2026) – The Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA), in cooperation with the Anne Arundel County Health Department, will expand mosquito control services in areas due to a public health concern over the potential for mosquito-borne diseases.

Ultra-Low Volume (ULV) truck-based spraying to control adult mosquitoes is planned for the evening of Tuesday, July 28, 2026 near the intersection of Riedel Road and Tilghman Drive in Crofton. Spraying will occur after 8:00 p.m. ET. In the event of inclement weather, spraying will be rescheduled for Wednesday, July 29, 2026. Any existing spray exemptions in the area will be temporarily suspended. 

Additionally, spraying to control adult mosquitos is planned for the evening of Wednesday, July 29, 2026 near the intersection of Telegraph Road, Reece Road and Donaldson Avenue in Severn. Spraying will occur after 8:00 p.m. ET. In the event of inclement weather, spraying will be rescheduled for Thursday, July 30, 2026. Any existing spray exemptions in the area will be temporarily suspended.

MDA Mosquito Control Program personnel will use a permethrin-based solution that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has approved for use in public health mosquito control programs without posing unreasonable risks to human health. However, out of an abundance of caution, MDA recommends avoiding outdoor activities during spraying.

While not all mosquitoes carry diseases, MDA suggests that residents take precautions to minimize their exposure to mosquito bites. These measures include:

• Wear long, loose fitting, light colored clothing.
• Wear insect repellents according to product labels.
• Avoid mosquito infested areas during prime periods of activity (between dusk and dawn).
• Install, inspect, and repair window and door screens in homes and stables.
• Regularly clean bird baths and bowls for pet food and water.
• Remove or empty all water-holding containers.

Routine spray program schedules are available by county on the program’s website. Please contact MDA’s Mosquito Control Program with any questions or concerns at (410) 841-5870.

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July 23, 2026

PUBLIC NOTICE: Unscheduled Mosquito Control Activity in Anne Arundel County Planned for July 27

ANNAPOLIS, MD (July 23, 2026) – The Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA), in cooperation with the Anne Arundel County Health Department, will expand mosquito control services in areas due to a public health concern over the potential for mosquito-borne diseases.

Ultra-Low Volume (ULV) truck-based spraying to control adult mosquitoes is planned for the evening of Monday, July 27, 2026 near the intersection of Chesapeake Harbour Drive and Edgewood Road in Annapolis.

Spraying will occur after 9:00 p.m. ET. In the event of inclement weather, spraying will be rescheduled for Tuesday, July 28, 2026. Any existing spray exemptions in the area will be temporarily suspended. 

MDA Mosquito Control Program personnel will use a permethrin-based solution that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has approved for use in public health mosquito control programs without posing unreasonable risks to human health. However, out of an abundance of caution, MDA recommends avoiding outdoor activities during spraying.

While not all mosquitoes carry diseases, MDA suggests that residents take precautions to minimize their exposure to mosquito bites. These measures include:

• Wear long, loose fitting, light colored clothing.
• Wear insect repellents according to product labels.
• Avoid mosquito infested areas during prime periods of activity (between dusk and dawn).
• Install, inspect, and repair window and door screens in homes and stables.
• Regularly clean bird baths and bowls for pet food and water.
• Remove or empty all water-holding containers.

Routine spray program schedules are available by county on the program’s website. Please contact MDA’s Mosquito Control Program with any questions or concerns at (410) 841-5870.

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July 17, 2026

PUBLIC NOTICE: Unscheduled Mosquito Control Activity in Prince George’s County Planned for July 19

ANNAPOLIS, MD (July 17, 2026) – The Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA), in cooperation with the Prince George’s County Health Department, will expand mosquito control services in areas due to a public health concern over the potential for mosquito-borne diseases.

Ultra-Low Volume (ULV) truck-based spraying to control adult mosquitoes is planned for the evening of Sunday, July 19, 2026 near the following localities: Cottage City, Brentwood, Hyattsville, Mt. Rainier and North Brentwood.  

Spraying will occur after 9:00 p.m. ET. In the event of inclement weather, spraying will be rescheduled for the next available evening. Any existing spray exemptions in the area will be temporarily suspended. 

MDA Mosquito Control Program personnel will use a permethrin-based solution that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has approved for use in public health mosquito control programs without posing unreasonable risks to human health. However, out of an abundance of caution, MDA recommends avoiding outdoor activities during spraying.

While not all mosquitoes carry diseases, MDA suggests that residents take precautions to minimize their exposure to mosquito bites. These measures include:

• Wear long, loose fitting, light colored clothing.
• Wear insect repellents according to product labels.
• Avoid mosquito infested areas during prime periods of activity (between dusk and dawn).
• Install, inspect, and repair window and door screens in homes and stables.
• Regularly clean bird baths and bowls for pet food and water.
• Remove or empty all water-holding containers.

Routine spray program schedules are available by county on the program’s website. Please contact MDA’s Mosquito Control Program with any questions or concerns at (410) 841-5870.

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July 15, 2026

PUBLIC NOTICE: Maryland Agencies to Treat Potomac River for Black Fly Control on July 16

ANNAPOLIS, MD (July 15, 2026) – The Maryland Department of Agriculture, in partnership with the Department of Natural Resources, will treat a targeted area of the Potomac River near Harpers Ferry, West Virginia to control black fly populations in the area. Treatment is scheduled to occur on Thursday, July 16, 2026 between 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. ET.

A gray Bell 206 Long Ranger helicopter with blue and red stripes will apply a Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti)-based larvicide throughout the targeted area. The helicopter’s tail number is N653HA. Bti is a bacterial insecticide, not a chemical, that is naturally-occurring in soils. It is harmful to a limited variety of organisms, including midges, black flies, mosquito larvae and a few other species of aquatic insects.

The treatment may cause a temporary discoloration of the water but is harmless and will dissipate naturally. The treatment will not impact drinking water supplies, fish, crabs or other aquatic organisms outside the targeted insect groups. 

The Black Fly Program was established in 2016 in response to resident concerns in Washington County. Additional information about the program, including further details about Bti, is available on the Maryland Department of Agriculture’s Black Fly Program website.

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July 13, 2026

Maryland Department of Agriculture Invests $670,000 in Innovative Soil Health and Agroforestry Practices

ANNAPOLIS, MD (July 13, 2026)— The Maryland Department of Agriculture today announced $670,000 in grant funding to assist farms and organizations in adopting conservation practices that benefit the climate, soil and water. 

The Healthy Soils Competitive Fund awards grants of up to $50,000 to qualifying applicants to support three years of enhanced soil health and agroforestry practices. It was established in 2023 following recommendations from the Soil Health Advisory Committee. 

Nineteen projects across the state of Maryland will implement the following innovative conservation practices and share progress updates throughout the grant period:

• Baltimore City: Development of soil health resources for equestrians.
• Baltimore County: Pollinator habitat and conservation cover enhancement project.
• Calvert County: Use of innovative equipment to enhance adaptive grazing.
• Caroline County: Agroforestry and pasture improvements for enhanced adaptive grazing.
• Carroll County: Innovative use of a roller crimper for expanded cover cropping and delayed termination. 
• Charles County: Establishment of an alley cropping system in a culturally significant vegetable operation.
• Frederick County: Agroforestry, reduced tillage in vegetable production and innovative equipment to enhance adaptive grazing.
• Harford County: Soil biology analysis and trailing compost extraction project.
• Howard County: Establishment of a silvopasture and improved adaptive grazing systems for an equestrian operation.
• Prince George’s County: Alley cropping and reduced tillage systems for vegetable production.
• Washington County: Implementation of an agroforestry project.

“Healthy soils are the foundation of productive farms, thriving ecosystems and long-term resilience,” said Maryland Secretary of Agriculture Kevin Atticks. “It’s exciting to see more Maryland farmers embracing innovative conservation practices each year. With applications increasing more than 16% over last year, this program is helping producers invest in practices that strengthen their operations while protecting our natural resources for future generations.” 

Since its inception, the grant program has supported 88 projects across the state. Funding for the Healthy Soils Competitive Fund is made possible through the Moore-Miller Administration’s implementation of the Climate Solutions Now Act and a Climate Pollution Reduction Grant awarded to the Atlantic Conservation Coalition by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

The 2026-2027 grant cycle will open in November 2026. For more information about the program and the most up-to-date information, please visit our website. 

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Maryland Department of Agriculture Welcomes New Staff Members

ANNAPOLIS, MD (July 9, 2026)—Maryland Secretary of Agriculture Kevin Atticks is pleased to announce the appointment of two new key staff members to the Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA).

Allie Carter Cavanagh has been named MDA’s new Director of Legislative and Government Affairs. In this role, she will be responsible for all aspects of the department’s state, local and federal legislative activities, and actively represent MDA during the Maryland legislative session. 

Photo courtesy of Allie Cavanagh

Cavanagh previously served as a Policy Advisor to Maryland Congresswoman Sarah Elfreth (MD-03), and as the Congresswoman’s Chief of Staff during her final two years in the Maryland Senate. Her policy areas covered agriculture, animal welfare, energy, environment, education, labor and health care. She was a fellow with the National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine in the Climate Crossroads Program from 2025-2026.

She holds a Master of Education from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and a Bachelor of Music from Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania. Cavanagh served as a Program Manager for the Career & Technical Education Committee at the Maryland Department of Labor, is a former music educator and was nominated as Baltimore County Teacher of the Year in 2016-17.

Additionally, Rachel Felver has been appointed MDA’s new Director of Communications. In this role, she will lead communications efforts for the department, serve as the primary media point of contact, and support the communications needs of the Secretary and other senior agency officials.

Photo courtesy of Rachel Felver

Felver previously spent 10 years as the Communications Director for the regional Chesapeake Bay Program, where she was employed by the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay. She holds a Masters in Environmental Policy and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Pittsburgh, as well as a professional certification in Sustainability & Behavior Change from the University of California at San Diego Extension. Felver also served on the Marketing Team at the National Aquarium in Baltimore and spent eight years in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, most notably as the Director of Communications for the former Office of Environmental Information. 

“We are incredibly fortunate to add two leaders of this caliber to the Maryland Department of Agriculture, and their arrival marks a major win for our state’s agricultural community,” said Maryland Secretary of Agriculture Kevin Atticks. “Allie’s impressive tenure navigating complex legislative environments and her deep background in policy make her uniquely equipped to champion our farmers at local, state and federal levels. Rachel’s decade of high-level communication leadership on critical regional issues like the Chesapeake Bay brings an immense asset to our team. Her unique ability to translate complex agency initiatives into meaningful, actionable public outreach will bridge the gap between the agency, the agricultural community and the public.Together, their deep professional expertise will directly translate into stronger advocacy, clearer communication and more robust support for Maryland’s farmers and producers as they work to feed our families and power our economy.”

For more information, please visit mda.maryland.gov. 

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