September 16, 2024

Cost-Share Grants Available for Fall Manure Transport and Injection

ANNAPOLIS, MD (September 16, 2024) – The Maryland Department of Agriculture is reminding farmers that cost-share funding is available to help cover expenses associated with hauling all types of manure to fall-planted crop fields with acceptable soil phosphorus levels. Additionally, grants are available to offset costs related to injecting liquid manure into the soil in order to prevent nutrient runoff and reduce odors.

All fall manure transport and injection projects must be completed by December 15, 2024. Claims for payment should be submitted to the department’s Conservation Grants Office by January 15, 2025. 

Program highlights include:

• Receiving farms/businesses can receive up to $28/ton to transport poultry manure to qualifying fields with acceptable soil phosphorus levels or alternative use projects that can use or temporarily stockpile the product safely

• Cost-share grants to transport dairy and livestock manure to qualifying fields cover up to 87.5% of eligible costs

• FastTrack and standard transport options are available for both poultry and dairy/livestock manure

• Farmers can receive up to $45/acre for costs associated with injecting liquid manure into the soil. Please note that poultry manure is not eligible for this option due to its low moisture content

FastTrack (haul now, apply later) applications for poultry and dairy/livestock manure can be downloaded from the website. For special circumstances where applicants are not eligible for FastTrack grants, farmers should contact their local soil conservation district to apply for our standard grants. These grants require pre-approval before manure is transported or injected.  

The department’s Conservation Grants Program administers manure transport and injection grants. Applicants must be in good standing with the program and in compliance with Maryland’s nutrient management regulations. Use the “https://littr.io/” website to find manure or contact a poultry manure broker here.

For more information, please contact the Manure Management Program at 410-841-5864.

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PUBLIC NOTICE: Unscheduled Mosquito Control Activity in Anne Arundel County 

Spraying Planned for Evening of September 17, 2024

ANNAPOLIS, MD (September 16, 2024) – The Maryland Department of Agriculture, in cooperation with the Anne Arundel County Health Department, will expand mosquito control services in areas due to a public health concern over the potential for mosquito-borne diseases.

Ultra-Low Volume (ULV) truck-based spraying to control adult mosquitoes is planned for the evening of Tuesday, September 17, 2024 in Crofton near the intersection of Crain Highway and Conroy Road. 

Spraying will occur after 7:30 p.m. In the event of inclement weather, spraying will be rescheduled for the next available evening. Any existing spray exemptions in the area will be temporarily suspended. 

MDA Mosquito Control Program personnel will use a permethrin-based solution that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has approved for use in public health mosquito control programs without posing unreasonable risks to human health. However, out of an abundance of caution, MDA recommends avoiding outdoor activities during spraying.

While not all mosquitoes carry diseases, MDA suggests that residents take precautions to minimize their exposure to mosquito bites. These measures include:

• Wear long, loose fitting, light colored clothing

• Wear insect repellents according to product labels

• Avoid mosquito infested areas during prime periods of activity (between dusk and dawn)

• Install, inspect, and repair window and door screens in homes and stables

• Regularly clean bird baths and bowls for pet food and water

• Remove or empty all water-holding containers 

All Marylanders are encouraged to follow MDA’s Facebook page @MdAgDept that will post unscheduled spray events and other timely information about mosquito control in Maryland. Routine spray program schedules are available by county on the program’s website.

For more information, please call MDA’s Mosquito Control Program at 410-841-5870.

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September 12, 2024

Poultry Farmers Urged to Practice Continued Enhanced Biosecurity

ANNAPOLIS, MD (September 12, 2024) – The Maryland Department of Agriculture is reminding Maryland poultry farmers to remain vigilant and practice enhanced biosecurity on their farms as the annual fall migration gets underway.  Cases of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) continue to be detected in wild birds and poultry flocks in the Atlantic Flyway.  

“The southern migration of wild birds has begun which brings an increased risk of HPAI to Maryland poultry farmers,” said Maryland Department of Agriculture Secretary Kevin Atticks. “Commercial poultry growers and backyard flock owners are encouraged to review their biosecurity plans and take proper steps to isolate their birds and wild waterfowl migrating along the Atlantic flyway.”

During this time of year, migratory waterfowl moving through Maryland present a heightened risk for HPAI, a potentially devastating disease for poultry operations. HPAI is caused by an influenza type A virus, which can infect poultry (chickens, turkeys, pheasants, quails, domestic ducks, geese, and guinea fowl) and is carried by free flying waterfowl such as ducks, geese and shorebirds.  In addition to the bird and poultry populations, there have been detections of HPAI in lactating dairy herds in 14 States including North Carolina. In both instances good biosecurity practices remain the best prevention in the spreading of the disease.   

Growers are urged to follow these minimum guidelines to maintain a sanitary, biosecure premise:

• Restrict access to poultry by posting “Restricted Access” signage, securing the area with a gate, or both.

• Take steps to ensure that contaminated materials on the ground are not transported into the poultry growing house or area.

• Provide the following items to anyone entering or leaving any area where poultry are kept:

  • Footbaths and foot mats with disinfectant;

  • Boot washing and disinfectant station;

  • Footwear change or foot covers.

• Cover and secure feed to prevent wild birds, rodents or other animals from accessing it.

• Cover and properly contain carcasses, used litter, or other disease-containing organic materials to prevent wild birds, rodents or other animals from accessing them and to keep them from being blown around by wind.

• Allow MDA to enter the premises during normal working hours to inspect your biosecurity and sanitation practices. 

• Report any unusual bird deaths or sudden increases in very sick birds to the MDA Animal Health Program at 410-841-5810 or after-hours to 410-841-5971. Also contact the USDA at 866-536-7593. 

• Read up about HPAI and biosecurity measures on the MDA website.

The USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service’s website Defend the Flock and the University of Maryland Extension programs have many valuable resources available for poultry owners, including a variety of instructional videos, to help mitigate the risk of HPAI on their operation. 

For more information on avian influenza, please visit the department’s website.

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September 10, 2024

Maryland Department of Agriculture to Hold Virtual Public Hearing Regarding DAF Regulations 

ANNAPOLIS, MD (September 10, 2024)– The Maryland Department of Agriculture has announced a virtual listening session will be held on Tuesday, September 17 from 12:30 p.m.- 2 p.m. to allow stakeholders to share concerns regarding Emergency Actions for HB 991 and SB 1074 (Agriculture – Food Processing Residuals Utilization Permit – Establishment.)  Recently submitted to the Administrative, Executive and Legislative Review (AELR) Committee, these actions are to allow temporary regulations to be in place while the Department moves to submit a Proposed Action to adopt.

The hearing will serve as an opportunity for Department staff to collectively receive feedback from the public. Farmers, producers, representatives of agriculture support agencies, and other interested groups are encouraged to attend.  

To confirm your attendance and receive the virtual link, please RSVP to the department’s Director of Government Relations Rachel Jones at [email protected].  

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Deadline for Applications for Governor’s Agriculture Hall of Fame Approaching 

Nominate Exceptional Farm Families by October 4

ANNAPOLIS, MD (September 10, 2024) – The Maryland Department of Agriculture is now accepting nominations for the Governor’s Agriculture Hall of Fame, which pays tribute to farmers and farm families who have dedicated their lives to the state’s leading industry.  Any family that derives its income principally from farming is eligible for induction. 

“The backbone of Maryland’s agriculture is the hardworking farm families, and the Governor’s Agriculture Hall of Fame is a way to honor their dedication,” said Maryland Department of Agriculture Secretary Kevin Atticks. “We encourage everyone to take this opportunity to shine a light on the tireless efforts of Maryland’s farm families by nominating them for this prestigious recognition.”

The Governor’s Agriculture Hall of Fame was established in 1991 to recognize and celebrate the remarkable contributions of farm families to Maryland’s agricultural heritage. The induction of Roland and Mildred Darcey of Prince George’s County; Y.D. and Lonnie Hance of Calvert County; and C. Rodman and Jean Myers of Frederick County marked the beginning of this legacy. Currently, the Hall of Fame proudly commemorates 56 farm families from all 23 counties of the state.

Applicants must work with their county University of Maryland Extension office in preparing the application, which should include as much information about the family as possible. The application must also address agricultural leadership, community activities, and technological and management advancements – for example, soil and water conservation, marketing initiatives, machinery innovations, and safety strategies. Nominations must include signatures from their county Extension agent, county Farm Bureau president, and Soil Conservation District manager. 

The selection committee includes the Dean of the University of Maryland’s College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, the President of the Maryland Farm Bureau, and an unbiased panel from the Maryland agricultural community. Only one farm family per county may be considered. Those selected for induction will be honored during the “Taste of Maryland Agriculture” event on February 6, 2025. 

Interested parties can download this year’s application from mda.maryland.gov. The submission deadline is October 4.

For more information, please contact Boards and Commissions Executive Director Harrison Palmer at (410) 841-5882 or [email protected].

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September 3, 2024

PUBLIC NOTICE: Unscheduled Mosquito Control Activity in Baltimore County

Spraying Planned for Evening of September 4, 2024

ANNAPOLIS, MD (September 3, 2024) – The Maryland Department of Agriculture, in cooperation with the Baltimore County Health Department, will expand mosquito control services in areas due to a public health concern over the potential for mosquito-borne diseases.

Ultra-Low Volume (ULV) truck-based spraying to control adult mosquitoes is planned for the evening of Wednesday, September 4, 2024 in Parkville near the intersection of Harford Road and Edgewood Avenue. 

Spraying will occur after 7:30 p.m. In the event of inclement weather, spraying will be rescheduled for the next available evening. Any existing spray exemptions in the area will be temporarily suspended. 

MDA Mosquito Control Program personnel will use a permethrin-based solution that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has approved for use in public health mosquito control programs without posing unreasonable risks to human health. However, out of an abundance of caution, MDA recommends avoiding outdoor activities during spraying.

While not all mosquitoes carry diseases, MDA suggests that residents take precautions to minimize their exposure to mosquito bites. These measures include:

• Wear long, loose fitting, light colored clothing

• Wear insect repellents according to product labels

• Avoid mosquito infested areas during prime periods of activity (between dusk and dawn)

• Install, inspect, and repair window and door screens in homes and stables

• Regularly clean bird baths and bowls for pet food and water

• Remove or empty all water-holding containers 

All Marylanders are encouraged to follow MDA’s Facebook page @MdAgDept that will post unscheduled spray events and other timely information about mosquito control in Maryland. Routine spray program schedules are available by county on the program’s website.

For more information, please call MDA’s Mosquito Control Program at 410-841-5870.

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August 27, 2024

Maryland Department of Agriculture Showcases Programs Throughout Maryland State Fair

ANNAPOLIS, MD (August 27, 2024) – As the Maryland State Fair heads into the second long weekend of fun, the Maryland Department of Agriculture is thrilled to present an extensive lineup showcasing the many programs that support Maryland’s agriculture, farmers, and residents.

Throughout the fair, the department is hosting an array of children’s activities and agricultural displays in the Cow Palace, highlighting over 20 of the department’s programs and engaging with fairgoers to showcase the broad spectrum of industries within agriculture that MDA supports. At Horseland near the Grandstand, the Maryland Horse Industry Board is on hand to educate the public about Maryland’s vibrant equine industry, offering valuable insights and information for horse enthusiasts.

The fair runs for two more long weekends of fun- Aug. 29-Sept. 1 and Sept. 5-8– at the State Fairgrounds in Timonium. The fair also showcases thousands of home arts and agricultural exhibits, along with daily livestock and horse exhibitions, a variety of midway rides and games, thoroughbred horse racing, and national entertainment. Also, mark your calendars for “Agriculture Day at the Fair” on Friday, August 30th featuring a luncheon and tour of the fairgrounds with Maryland Secretary of Agriculture Kevin Atticks. Please note that the luncheon is by invitation only. For more information about the Maryland State Fair, please visit www.marylandstatefair.com. For more information about the Maryland Department of Agriculture’s participation in the fair please contact Harrison Palmer, Executive Secretary of Boards and Commission at [email protected].  

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August 26, 2024

PUBLIC NOTICE: Unscheduled Mosquito Control Activity in Prince George’s County

Spraying Planned for Evening of August 27

ANNAPOLIS, MD (August 26, 2024) – The Maryland Department of Agriculture, in cooperation with the Prince George’s County Health Department, will expand mosquito control services in areas due to a public health concern over the potential for mosquito-borne diseases.

Ultra-Low Volume (ULV) truck-based spraying to control adult mosquitoes is planned for the evening of Tuesday, August 27, 2024 in Oxon Hill near the intersection of Summertime Drive and Southview Road.  Spraying will also occur in District Heights near the intersection of Red Maple Court and Forest Run Drive.

Spraying will occur after 7:30 p.m. In the event of inclement weather, spraying will be rescheduled for the next available evening. Any existing spray exemptions in the area will be temporarily suspended. 

MDA Mosquito Control Program personnel will use a permethrin-based solution that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has approved for use in public health mosquito control programs without posing unreasonable risks to human health. However, out of an abundance of caution, MDA recommends avoiding outdoor activities during spraying.

While not all mosquitoes carry diseases, MDA suggests that residents take precautions to minimize their exposure to mosquito bites. These measures include:

• Wear long, loose fitting, light colored clothing

• Wear insect repellents according to product labels

• Avoid mosquito infested areas during prime periods of activity (between dusk and dawn)

• Install, inspect, and repair window and door screens in homes and stables

• Regularly clean bird baths and bowls for pet food and water

• Remove or empty all water-holding containers 

All Marylanders are encouraged to follow MDA’s Facebook page @MdAgDept that will post unscheduled spray events and other timely information about mosquito control in Maryland. Routine spray program schedules are available by county on the program’s website.

For more information, please call MDA’s Mosquito Control Program at 410-841-5870.

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PUBLIC NOTICE: Maryland Agencies to Treat Potomac River for Black Fly Control on August 27

ANNAPOLIS, MD (August 26, 2024) – The Maryland Department of Agriculture—in partnership with the Department of Natural Resources—will treat a targeted area of the Potomac River near Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, as part of a pilot program to control black fly populations in the area. Treatment is scheduled to occur on Tuesday, August 27.  

MDA will apply a Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti)-based larvicide via helicopter (Bell 206 Long Ranger, green and white paint scheme. Tail number is N641HA). Bti is a naturally occurring bacteria found in soils. It is a bacterial insecticide, not a chemical, and is only harmful to a very limited variety of organisms, including midge, black fly, and mosquito larvae and a few other aquatic Dipteran (flies) insects. 

The treatment may cause temporary discoloration of the water, but it is completely nontoxic and is not harmful to humans, fish, crabs or other aquatic invertebrates. A fact sheet on Bti can be found here.​

The Black Fly Suppression Pilot Program was established in 2016. For more information on the program, please visit MDA’s website.

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August 23, 2024

Department Announces Recipients of USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant Program Funds

ANNAPOLIS, MD (August 23, 2024) – The Maryland Department of Agriculture has announced that six projects will be awarded funds through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP) to enhance the competitiveness of Maryland specialty crops.

“Maryland’s specialty crops are an increasingly critical part of our state’s agriculture industry as more farmers begin to diversify their operations and enter new niche markets,” said Maryland Agriculture Secretary Kevin Atticks. “The funds granted by the USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant Program are vital to the success of the specialty crop sector in Maryland and I am thrilled to announce this year’s six grant recipients.”

The projects were selected after a competitive review process with the Maryland Department of Agriculture and an external review committee composed of representatives from the specialty crop industry, lending institutions, economic development, and producers. A total of $400,000 in grant funds will be distributed to the following six projects:

• AfriThrive will receive $30,237.84 to support immigrant and refugee beginner farmers across three counties in Maryland to cultivate, preserve and increase demand for African specialty crops. AfriThrive will provide culturally sensitive technical assistance to build the capacity of African specialty crop growers and develop strategic partnerships and networks for growth and sustainability of African specialty crops.

• Future Harvest will receive $35,642.54 to support farmers in building and reaching a larger consumer base by creating a digital library of marketing materials – searchable by produce item – that educates consumers on how to store, prepare, cook, process or freeze specialty crops grown in the mid-Atlantic region. The digital collateral will be created and shared in consultation with other regional marketing entities, including Chesapeake Buy Fresh Buy Local, Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission and Maryland’s Best.

• The Maryland Department of Agriculture’s Food Quality Assurance Program along with the University of Maryland, College Park, University of Maryland Extension,  University of Maryland, Baltimore, Agriculture Law Education Initiative (ALEI) will receive $129,057.10 to partner together to provide coordinated food safety programs to assist specialty crop producers in complying with the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act’s Produce Safety Rule and maintaining and gaining market access through successful completion of GAP audits. Program will accomplish these goals by providing formal and informal trainings, webinars, videos, educational materials, certification of compliance of food safety plans and practices, food safety technical assistance, cost share funds to assist in the implementation of effective food safety practices, and verifying efficiency of food safety practices through inspection and certification of compliance.

• The Maryland Department of Agriculture’s Maryland’s Best will receive $134,976 to increase sales and consumer demand for Maryland-grown specialty crops through targeted advertising, strategic consumer and wholesale promotions, networking events, and direct partnerships with Maryland specialty crop producer associations.

• Maryland Public Television’s “Maryland Farm & Harvest” will receive $35,000 to support specialty crop coverage in season 12 of the agriculture series. These segments will explain the production of specialty crops, introduce Marylanders to farmers who grow specialty crops, and provide recipes for specialty crops.

• Maryland Wineries Association will receive $35,086 to partner with University of Maryland, College Park to support UMD’s cultivar research, host annual tastings to understand the grapes’ characteristics, and update the MWA website to host resources, and disseminate research results, for vineyard managers and winery owners.

Funding is provided to state departments of agriculture from the Farm Bill through the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service. ​The Maryland Department of Agriculture administers funding received from the USDA SCBGP annually. The amount of funding received by the Maryland Department of Agriculture is based on specialty crop acreage and production value on an annual basis.

Maryland specialty crops include: fruits and vegetables, culinary herbs and spices, honey, hops, grapes, maple syrup, Christmas trees, and nursery crops.

For more information about the USDA SCBGP, visit the department’s website or contact Karen Fedor at (410) 841-5773 or [email protected].

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August 22, 2024

Department Advises Rural Marylanders to Anticipate an Increase in Low-Flying Planes Due to Fall Cover Crop Planting

ANNAPOLIS, MD (August 22, 2024) – The Maryland Department of Agriculture is advising rural residents to anticipate a rise in low-flying airplanes, helicopters, and drones through October 10, 2024. Farmers participating in Maryland’s Cover Crop Program are using aerial seeding to plant cereal grains and other qualifying cover crops in their fields to protect local waterways from nutrient runoff and enhance their soil’s health for spring crops.

“Aerial seeding is a fast and efficient way to plant cover crops to recover any leftover nutrients from summer crops before they impact local waterways,” said Maryland Agriculture Secretary Kevin Atticks. “Planting fall cover crops early becomes especially important during a drought year, when summer crops cannot use all the nutrients available in the soil. Residents of rural Maryland should anticipate an increase in low-flying aircraft over the next few weeks as critical aerial seeding takes place.”

Farmers enrolled in the department’s Cover Crop Program receive grants to plant small grains, legumes, and other cover crops in their fields in the fall. Farmers may incorporate seeds into newly harvested fields or aerially seed them into standing corn, soybeans, or sorghum. Once established, cover crops work all winter to provide a living, protective cover against erosion and nutrient runoff while building the soil’s organic matter for spring crops. Cover crops also help remove carbon dioxide—a greenhouse gas—from the air and can protect farm fields from too much or too little rain. When planting cover crops, no pesticides or fertilizers are applied. For aerial seeding, small planes and helicopters will take off from local airports serving the county or region.

Maryland’s Cover Crop Program is funded by the Chesapeake Bay Restoration Fund and the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays Trust Fund. The program is administered by the department and the state’s 24 soil conservation districts through the Conservation Grants Program. For more information, please contact your local soil conservation district.  

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August 21, 2024

PUBLIC NOTICE: Unscheduled Mosquito Control Activity in Anne Arundel County

Spraying Planned for Evening of August 21, 2024

ANNAPOLIS, MD (August 21, 2024) – The Maryland Department of Agriculture, in cooperation with the Anne Arundel County Health Department, will expand mosquito control services in areas due to a public health concern over the potential for mosquito-borne diseases.

Ultra-Low Volume (ULV) truck-based spraying to control adult mosquitoes is planned for the evening of Wednesday, August 21, 2024 in Severna Park near the intersections of Fernwood Drive, St. Martin’s Lane, & Dunfer Hill Road.

Spraying will occur after 7:30 p.m. In the event of inclement weather, spraying will be rescheduled for the next available evening. Any existing spray exemptions in the area will be temporarily suspended.

MDA Mosquito Control Program personnel will use a permethrin-based solution that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has approved for use in public health mosquito control programs without posing unreasonable risks to human health. However, out of an abundance of caution, MDA recommends avoiding outdoor activities during spraying.

While not all mosquitoes carry diseases, MDA suggests that residents take precautions to minimize their exposure to mosquito bites. These measures include:

• Wear long, loose fitting, light colored clothing
• Wear insect repellents according to product labels
• Avoid mosquito infested areas during prime periods of activity (between dusk and dawn)
• Install, inspect, and repair window and door screens in homes and stables
• Regularly clean bird baths and bowls for pet food and water
• Remove or empty all water-holding containers

All Marylanders are encouraged to follow MDA’s Facebook Page @MdAgDept that will post unscheduled spray events and other timely information about mosquito control in Maryland. Routine spray program schedules are available by county on the program’s website.

For more information, please call MDA’s Mosquito Control Program at 410-841-5870.

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August 19, 2024

PUBLIC NOTICE: Unscheduled Mosquito Control Activity in Anne Arundel County

Spraying Planned for Evening of August 20, 2024

ANNAPOLIS, MD (August 19, 2024) – The Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA), in cooperation with the Anne Arundel County Health Department, will expand mosquito control services in areas due to a public health concern over the potential for mosquito-borne diseases.

Ultra-Low Volume (ULV) truck-based spraying to control adult mosquitoes is planned for the evening of Tuesday, August 20, 2024 in Crofton near the intersections of Rieddel Road and Tilghman Drive.

Spraying will occur after 7:30 p.m. In the event of inclement weather, spraying will be rescheduled for the next available evening. Any existing spray exemptions in the area will be temporarily suspended.

MDA Mosquito Control Program personnel will use a permethrin-based solution that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has approved for use in public health mosquito control programs without posing unreasonable risks to human health. However, out of an abundance of caution, MDA recommends avoiding outdoor activities during spraying.

While not all mosquitoes carry diseases, MDA suggests that residents take precautions to minimize their exposure to mosquito bites. These measures include:

• Wear long, loose fitting, light colored clothing
• Wear insect repellents according to product labels
• Avoid mosquito infested areas during prime periods of activity (between dusk and dawn)
• Install, inspect, and repair window and door screens in homes and stables
• Regularly clean bird baths and bowls for pet food and water
• Remove or empty all water-holding containers

All Marylanders are encouraged to follow MDA’s Facebook Page @MdAgDept that will post unscheduled spray events and other timely information about mosquito control in Maryland. Routine spray program schedules are available by county on the program’s website.

For more information, please call MDA’s Mosquito Control Program at 410-841-5870.

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August 15, 2024

Maryland’s Seafood, Eat Food Pass

Indulge in Maryland Seafood and Win Prizes

ANNAPOLIS, MD (August 15, 2024) – Maryland’s Best, a marketing program of the Maryland Department of Agriculture, has announced the release of the Maryland’s Best Seafood, Eat Food pass. Consumers who sign up for the pass will use it to explore Maryland restaurants dishing out fresh and local seafood. 

“Maryland is known for its blue crabs, but we also have many other local seafood options now, such as perch, farm-raised oysters, wild Chesapeake blue catfish,” said Maryland Department of Agriculture Secretary Kevin Atticks. “I invite Maryland residents and visitors to download the app and start eating your way through the state.”

The pass, developed in partnership with Bandwango, aims to encourage the consumption of fresh Maryland seafood. Consumers can head to MarylandsBest.net and follow the instructions to download the web-based platform. From there, simply select a restaurant on the list, or a seafood event, check in on the platform and build up points to win prizes including a Seafood, Eat Food cutlery set, water bottle, or “Shuck Yeah, I ate Maryland Seafood” t-shirt. 

“Not only are you enjoying delicious seafood from Maryland’s waterways, you are also supporting local jobs and the economy by ensuring you’re eating local,” said Stephanie Pazzaglia, Chair of the Maryland Seafood Marketing Commission.

Additionally, some participating restaurants may have special offers that can be redeemed and be used towards building up points for prizes. Enjoy your summer filled with Maryland seafood, and feel good knowing you’re supporting local watermen and getting the freshest Maryland seafood around!

For more information and to see a list of participating restaurants, please visit MarylandsBest.net or contact Maryland’s Best Seafood Marketing Director Matthew Scales at [email protected]. 

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