Garrett County Aims To Boost Local Food Market

OAKLAND, Md. (AP) -- Garrett County says it wants to expand production and consumption of locally produced food.

The county's economic development agency is surveying food producers and distributors, as well as wholesalers, buyers and restaurants, to better understand their challenges and opportunities. The survey process began Aug. 6 and continues through the end of the month.

The agency says the western Maryland county has a strong farming community, but lacks facilities for storing, distributing and marketing local foods.

The agency's business specialist Cheryl DeBerry says the survey will help the county create a plan for expanding agricultural production and agribusiness development.

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