MEDIA ADVISORY: 2011 Farmers Market Conference to be Held Feb. 16-17

ANNAPOLIS, MD (Feb. 15, 2011) – The Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) will host the annual Maryland Farmers’ Market Conference on Feb. 16 and 17 to gather more than 100 farmers’ market stakeholders and provide information on state regulations.  Sessions will include: food safety, social marketing regulations, and promotional opportunities for the 2011 market season.  Visit www.MarylandsBest.net for more details.

Farmers’ markets have multiplied due to the increase in demand for fresh, local food and will continue to expand.  Maryland’s farmers play an important role in providing local, healthy food, saving open farmland, and expanding rural economies.

MDA’s Marketing Division supports farmers’ market development, fosters links between farmers and consumers through the Maryland’s Best branding program, and administers the Farmers’ Market Nutrition Programs, which provide checks to buy fresh produce for nutritionally at-risk women, infants, children and income-eligible senior citizens while increasing sales for farmers. Visit www.MarylandsBest.net for more details.

What:
MDA will host the annual Maryland Farmers’ Market Conference to gather farmers’ market stakeholders and provide information on state regulations.

When:
February 16 and 17, 2011
10 a.m. – 4 p.m. (both days)

Where:
Baltimore County Agricultural Resource Center
Cockeysville, MD