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ANNAPOLIS, MD - Governor Wes Moore on July 16 hosted the 2025 Governor's Buy Local Cookout at the Maryland Department of Agriculture. The event officially kicks off Maryland Buy Local Week, which takes place July 17- 27, encouraging Marylanders to take the ‘Buy Local Challenge’ by incorporating at least one locally grown, produced, or harvested product into their meals each day.
“There is no Maryland without Maryland agriculture. Our incredible chefs, farmers, producers, and watermen keep us fed, protect the environment, and grow our economy,” said Gov. Moore. “When we buy local, we aren’t just investing in small businesses. We’re uplifting our shared heritage and securing the future of our state for generations to come.”
?According to a 2022 study from Salisbury University, Maryland’s agriculture and seafood industries contribute more than $16 billion to the state’s economy. Within the agriculture sector, poultry remains the state’s top commodity. According to the 2022 USDA Census of Agriculture, Maryland has 12,550 farms on 1.9 million acres of land. Maryland’s seafood sector supports more than 2,000 jobs in the state and has a significant economic impact on the Eastern Shore.
The Buy Local Challenge, created in 2006 by the Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission, has since grown into a statewide initiative. Today’s cookout featured eleven chef’s tents, representing restaurants from across the state, whose sampling dishes were prepared using local ingredients. In addition to the chef’s tents, guests enjoyed oyster samples, fresh BBQ chicken, farm fresh ice cream from the Maryland’s Best Ice Cream Trail, live music, and exhibits featuring Maryland Department of Agriculture programs.
“Making the conscious choice to eat and drink locally keeps our economy humming,” said Maryland Department of Agriculture Secretary Kevin Atticks. “Our goal is to reach every person in the state and encourage them to support our farmers, growers, and watermen by enjoying Maryland’s Best food and beverage—not only during our 10-day celebration, but over the course of a lifetime.”
This year’s Buy Local Challenge also features a contest giving Marylanders the opportunity to show off how they “Buy Local.” To enter, simply take a photo of your “Buy Local” shopping spree at your local farmers’ market, grocery store, winery, brewery, or any other venue that offers Maryland-grown farm products and post to your Facebook or Instagram using the hashtag #BuyLocalChallenge. Participants will have a chance to win a “Buy Local” insulated tote and be featured on social media.
Visit marylandsbe?st.net to find local Maryland products, locate a farmers market, and more to support Maryland’s Buy Local Week and the Buy Local Challenge.