Maryland Agriculture Offers Family Fun This Summer

Guides to State’s Farmers’ Markets, Agricultural Fairs and Shows and Pick-Your-Own Operations Now Available

ANNAPOLIS, MD (July 21, 2010) – Want to know where you can buy locally-grown farm-fresh sweet corn and tomatoes this summer? Would you rather pick your own berries straight from the farm? What about catching a watermelon-eating contest and a sheep-herding competition right in your own county? Guides and directories for some of the summer’s most anticipated and enjoyable activities are now available through the Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA).

“Summer is a great time for Maryland agriculture,” said Agriculture Secretary Buddy Hance. “It is truly our chance to shine with fresh produce available at more than 100 farmers’ markets statewide, pick-your-own opportunities at farms all over Maryland, and more than 50 agricultural fairs and shows to visit this season. We encourage the public to get out to a farm, visit a farmers’ market or attend a fair or show not only to enjoy themselves, but also to see where their food comes from and to learn about the importance of agriculture in Maryland.”

This year’s Maryland Farmers’ Market Directory, Maryland Agricultural Fairs and Shows Guide, and Maryland Direct Farm Market and Pick Your Own Directory can all be obtained through MDA’s Marketing Division at 50 Harry S. Truman Parkway in Annapolis or by phone at 410-841-5770. The Farmers’ Market Directory, pick-your-own and agricultural fairs and shows listings can be found online at www.mda.state.md.us. The Maryland Direct Farm Market Association, publisher of the Maryland Direct Farm Market and Pick Your Own Directory can be reached at 410-665-0154.

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