Celebrate National Farmers’ Market Week in Maryland, Aug. 3–9, Visit Local Farmers’ Markets, Bountiful Fresh Produce Now Available

ANNAPOLIS, MD – Governor Martin O’Malley has designated Aug. 3-9, Farmers’ Market Week in Maryland to coincide with National Farmers’ Market Week. The Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) encourages citizens to celebrate the week by visiting farmers’ market and buying local products. There are currently 145 markets across the state – at least one in every county and Baltimore. Search for one near you at www.marylandsbest.net.

“Buying local supports our family farms, our local jobs and our local economies,” said Governor O’Malley. “By shopping at farmers’ markets, Marylanders can offer their families fresh, healthy produce while ensuring a greener, more sustainable Maryland. I hope that Marylanders will join in the celebration by visiting a market near them.” 

“Maryland’s farmers are now offering their freshest products at farmers’ markets across the state. These 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 Agriculture Secretary Buddy Hance.  “They also serve as integral links between urban, suburban and rural communities. 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 in the integrity and accountability of our growers.” 

The majority of  Maryland farmers – 97 percent of them – participate in the Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) for Women, Infants, Children (WIC) and Seniors. This program helps expand access for low-income Marylanders to be able to purchase fresh local produce at their local farmers’ market. About a quarter of the markets participate in the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) – formerly known as food stamps. There are also 12 year-round markets in Maryland, and more than 32 percent of farmers markets located in food deserts accept federal nutrition benefits, including SNAP.  There are also 12 new markets in Maryland in the 2014 season.

This year MDA continues to work with its partners the Maryland Department of Human Resources (DHR) and the Maryland Farmers Market Association (MDFMA) to increase the use of SNAP benefits through wireless technology at market. This technology is available for both markets and farmers who sell at markets – some of whom may qualify for free equipment thanks to U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) funding. Markets and farmers interested in accepting SNAP can contact Amy Crone at acrone@marylandfma.org for more information. 

MDA will also be celebrating Farmers Market Week at an event hosted by the Maryland Farmers Market Association (MDFMA) on August 6 at Druid Hill Park Farmers Market.  Deputy Secretary Mary Ellen Setting will present the Maryland Proclamation and will be followed by remarks by MDFMA Executive Director Amy Crone. RSVP and find more details on the event here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/farmers-market-week-celebration-tickets-12330554019.

 National Farmers’ Market Week follows soon after the Maryland Buy Local Challenge week (July 19-27), which Governor O’Malley celebrated with a Buy Local Cookout at Government House on July 24. During the Challenge Week, Marylanders pledged to eat at least one locally grown product every day. Several elected officials also encouraged people to take the pledge, including Howard County Executive Ken Ulman, Baltimore City Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake and Frederick Mayor Randy McClement .  MDA encourages consumers to continue to eat local every day throughout farmers market week and beyond, taking advantage of the fresh summer produce available from Maryland farmers.

For more information on farmers’ markets in your area,visit www.marylandsbest.net or call 410-841-5770.

# # #