SECRETARY HANCE KICKS OFF FARMERS’ MARKET WEEK DURING GOVERNOR O’MALLEY’S CAPITAL FOR A DAY IN BALTIMORE CITY

Encourages Marylanders to Visit Local Farmers’ Markets, Tours Urban Agriculture Enterprise

BALTIMORE CITY, MD (July 29, 2010) – Agriculture Secretary Buddy Hance today kicked off Maryland Farmers’ Market Week (Aug. 1-7). Governor Martin O’Malley designated this special week to encourage consumers to support Maryland agriculture and visit a farmers’ market in their area.
As part of Governor O’Malley’s Capital for a Day Celebration being held in Baltimore City the same day, Secretary Hance and Deputy Secretary Mary Ellen Setting visited the Johns Hopkins University Farmers’ Market; ate lunch at Faidley’s at Lexington Market, which is known for award-winning crab cakes, with an editor of Zagat Survey, which released its Washington, DC/Baltimore Restaurant Survey this week; and toured Real Food Farm to learn more about its innovative urban agriculture enterprise.

“Maryland Farmers’ Market Week is another great example of the O’Malley Administration’s commitment to the local food supply and the farmers and watermen who bring their products to us,” said Secretary Hance.  “Every dollar spent on local agricultural products contributes to the state’s economic health, helps create jobs, keeps our land in farming, and supports a smart, green and growing future for Maryland.”

Maryland’s farmers are now offering their freshest products at farmers’ markets across the State.  Every county in Maryland and Baltimore City boasts at least one farmers’ market where consumers can buy farm-fresh, locally-grown, healthy produce, plants and baked goods while connecting directly with the farmers who grow the food. In 1991, there were only 20 markets and this year there are more than 110.  In a telephone survey of 800 Marylanders last year, 78 percent of Marylanders said they are more likely to buy produce that is identified as having been grown by a Maryland farmer.  In Maryland, 97 out of 117 farmers’ markets are authorized to participate in WIC Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program and Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program so that qualified women, children, and seniors have access to fresh fruits, vegetables, cut herbs, and honey (for Seniors only).

“Farmers’ markets provide an important source of income for farmers as more and more consumers seek the freshness, quality, and wide selection of locally-grown produce,” said Hance.  “They also serve as integral links between urban, suburban and rural communities as well as community meeting places.  By talking one-on-one with farmers, consumers can learn about fresh produce including preparation and storage tips.  Consumers also develop a bond of trust with our growers and reap the health benefits of fresh, nutritious food.”
During their visit to Real Food Farm, Secretary Hance and Deputy Secretary Setting and MDA Marketing Director Mark Powell met with farm manager and students involved in Real Food Farm, a Civic Works’ innovative urban agricultural enterprise in Clifton Park, to learn about the operation and discuss possible partnerships.

Click here for a list of farmers’ markets in Maryland, or call 410-841-5770.

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