State Asks Marylanders to Take Challenge And 'Buy Local' For A Week

BALTIMORE (WJZ)--The state's Department of Agriculture is asking Marylanders to make a pledge and join the "buy local challenge."

Farming is considered the largest commercial industry in Maryland covering more than two million acres. So purchasing local products is an investment in our state.

"It really helps Maryland family farms and the overall growth of our economy in the state," said Joe Bartenfelder, Maryland Secretary of Agriculture.

Baltimore's farmers' market is one of many places you can support Maryland farmers and find out where your food is coming from.

"You're meeting the person who gets in the soil and does the work every day," said Janice Eteme, who buys local.

From locally caught seafood to freshly cut produce, Maryland's Department of Agriculture is asking the community to make a commitment using or eating locally grown items every day for a week. This "buy local challenge" supports hundreds of farmers like Sandy Magness from the Hickory Chance Farm in Harford County.

"You actually can put a face to that vegetable, the piece of meat and hands on to know what's going on in that farm," she said.

Another locally grown product is the Hawks Hill Creamery Cheese from the Highland Heights Farm also in Harford County, who promises a product of higher quality you can't find in stores.

"It's not something available and because it's not pasteurized and the proteins aren't cooked so the cheese tastes better," said Allen Galbreath, with Hawks Hill Creamery.

Maryland's homegrown options are endless and farmers hoping this challenge sparks a bigger movement o lifestyle change.

Farming is the largest single land use in Maryland, totaling more than 30 percent of our state.

The "buy local challenge" continues until July 31st.

For more information, CLICK HERE.