MEDIA ADVISORY: Maryland Department of Agriculture Kicks Off Christmas Tree Promotion with Official Lighting of Maryland-Grown White

Maryland Agriculture Secretary Buddy Hance and Deputy Secretary Mary Ellen Setting, joined by Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) staff, will kick off the State’s Christmas tree promotion with an official tree lighting ceremony at MDA headquarters in Annapolis on Thursday, Nov. 29, at 4:30 p.m. The 16-foot white pine was donated by Deer Creek Valley Tree Farm in Harford County, owned by Bob and Wilma Muir. Mrs. Muir is president of the Maryland Christmas Tree Association. This is the second year the Muirs have donated a Christmas tree to MDA for the promotion.

Christmas trees are a fresh, fragrant crop, designed to be cut and eventually returned to the earth. The MDA promotion of Christmas trees continues the agency’s efforts to encourage residents to “buy local”. Buying a real Maryland Christmas tree not only supports our Maryland farmers, but is also the overall best “green” choice for the environment and local economy. While they’re growing, Christmas trees absorb carbon dioxide and other gases and emit fresh oxygen, unlike artificial trees which are typically made in China and are petroleum-based. After Christmas, trees can be recycled in a variety of ways, including being chipped into mulch that returns valuable nutrients to the soil. According to the 2007 Census of Agriculture for Maryland, there are more than 200 Christmas tree growers in the state with nearly 3,000 acres in production. To find a Christmas tree farm near you, visit www.marylandsbest.net.

WHO: MDA Secretary Buddy Hance, Deputy Secretary Mary Ellen Setting and MDA Staff

WHAT: MDA staff will light a decorated 16-foot white pine Christmas tree to encourage Marylanders to
buy a real Christmas tree, rather than an artificial one, this holiday season. The tree was donated to MDA by Deer Creek Valley Tree Farm in Harford County. The farm’s owner Wilma Muir is president of the Maryland Christmas Tree Association.

WHEN: Thursday, Nov. 29, at 4:30 p.m.

WHERE: In front of MDA Headquarters, 50 Harry S Truman Parkway, Annapolis, 21401