Maryland Buyer-Grower Meeting To Be Held On January 24

ANNAPOLIS, MD (December 7, 2011) – The Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) will be holding a buy-local trade show on Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2012 for Maryland growers and producers to have the opportunity to display their products and regional and local buyers to have a chance to speak with them one-on-one.

In 2011, there were more than 300 registrants, including produce farmers, artisan cheese and ice cream producers, beef and bison farmers, grocery store representatives, chefs, school nutrition directors, distributors, economic development officials, Maryland Cooperative Extension and regional agricultural marketing officials.

This year the event will be held at a larger venue, the Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium VADM William P. Lawrence “N” Room in Annapolis, MD.  The larger space will allow for the event to continue growing in attendance, while still giving each exhibitor enough privacy to conduct their business. A fee of $20 for exhibitors will be charged to help offset costs of the event. It is also partially funded through support of the USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant program, the USDA Risk Management Agency and the Maryland Agricultural and Resource Based Industry Development Corp.

Rising consumer demand for healthy, locally-grown and produced fruits, vegetables, meats, and specialty foods is sparking more interest in Maryland products from commercial purchasing agents. Maryland’s farmers play an important role in providing local, healthy food, saving open farmland, and expanding rural economies. MDA’s marketing division has several on-going programs to link farmers with regional buyers and local consumers: the Maryland’s Best branding program, farmers’ market development, the Farmers’ Market Nutrition Programs, and the Farm to School Program.

WHAT:  
MDA will hold a trade show style meeting to provide opportunities for Maryland growers and producers to increase sales by introducing them directly to food purchasing decision-makers.

WHEN:  
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

WHERE: 
Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Football Stadium – VADM William P. Lawrence “N” Room
550 Taylor Ave.
Annapolis, MD 21401

More information on this event will be made available through www.marylandsbest.net as the event draws closer. To register, or for questions please contact the Maryland Department of Agriculture, Marketing Specialist – Stone Slade at (410) 841-5779 or sladewg@mda.state.md.us.

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