Maryland Challenges Residents To Buy Local This Week

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Buy fresh, buy local. You've heard the slogan, but for the next week, the state is challenging you to live it.

As Gigi Barnett explains, there's another reason why the state wants you to know your farmer.

It's a combination of a European bazaar with street entertainment and all the fresh produce you can find. It's the Waverly Farmers' Market and it's a packed place on the weekends.

For the next week, the state is challenging all shoppers to buy like this: Maryland made or Maryland grown. It's called the Buy Local Challenge.

"In Maryland we have small farms," said State Secretary of Agriculture Buddy Hance. "Support our local economy."

Fourth generation Baltimore County farmer Shane Hughes' farm is one of the state's 12,000. He says customers who know their local farmer tend to have a greater appreciation for the product and the work behind it.

"They know about the hard work that all the farmers go through," Hughes said.

For Daisy White, there was only one place to get the ingredients. She says there's a taste-test benefit of buying directly from the farmer.

"There's a big difference," she said.

But for other shoppers, buying local means being out with the locals.

"It just seems there's a sense of community. You get to know the neighbors," said Chris Kasper.

Governor O'Malley has also taken the pledge to buy local. This upcoming week---on Thursday---he's hosting an invitation only farm-to-table dinner at the Governor's Mansion that supports Maryland farmers.

Other Local News: