Harford Countians Urged to Take the Buy Local Challenge

(Bel Air, MD – July 14, 2009) – – The week of July 18-26 is “Buy Local Challenge Week” in Maryland, during which all Marylanders are encouraged to eat at least one local product every day of the week.

Begun two years ago by the Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission, the Buy Local Challenge is now a statewide activity. Governor Martin O’Malley will host a cookout featuring food from local producers from around the state to kick-off the challenge at Government House on Thursday, July 16. For the second year in a row, Deer Creek Beef will be providing hamburgers for the event.

“Our farmers grow the highest quality products, and they offer the same fresh and healthy food that they feed their own families,” stated County Executive David R. Craig. “I encourage all Harford Countians to not only participate in Maryland’s Buy Local Challenge Week, but to also continue to buy locally throughout the year.”

Sweet corn, peaches, squash, cucumbers, tomatoes, cantaloupe, watermelon, and peppers are just a sampling of the locally-grown produce that is currently in season. Plus there are always local dairy products, meats, eggs, wine, plants, and trees available.

There are six farmers’ markets located around Harford County:

• Bel Air Tuesday- Tuesdays, 11am to 2pm, Corner of Route 24 & Boulton Street;
• Bel Air Saturday- Saturdays, 7am to 11am, Corner of Bond & Thomas Streets;
• Cooptown- Saturdays, 8:30am to 11:30 am, 1452 W. Jarrettsville Road;
• Edgewood- Thursdays, 3pm to 6pm, Edgewood MARC Train Station;
• Havre de Grace- Saturdays, 9am to 12pm, Downtown on Pennington Avenue;
• Twilight Market- Last Friday of the month, 5pm to dusk, Rockfield Manor, Bel Air.

Additionally, there are numerous produce stands, greenhouses, on-farm stores, and retail outlets that sell locally-grown food and nursery plants. There are even restaurants such as My Three Sons in Jarrettsville that feature local beef, cheese, and wine. Restaurant managers who would like more information on how they can incorporate locally-grown food in their menus are encouraged to contact the Division of Agriculture at 410-638-3420.

For more information on the Buy Local Challenge, visit www.buy-local-challenge.com. To learn more about agriculture in Harford County, log on to www.harfordfarms.com.