Buy Local

Calvert County farmers and producers offer a bounty of agricultural products. According to the Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission, purchasing local produce is a great idea because:

  • You get fresher and healthier products
  • You get better tasting food
  • You support an economy near your home, rather than thousands of miles away
  • You support Southern Maryland's rich agricultural heritage and natural beauty

Buying local produce is simple. Consumers can choose from farmers markets, CSAs, restaurants, roadside stands and pick your own operations. Local school systems also have the opportunity to feature local produce in school cafeterias through various farm to school programs.

Browse through the categories at left, under 'Find Local Products', to find a Calvert County farmer or producer. Also check out the options below to help you in your search for local produce:

Buy Local Challenge

When you buy local, you help ensure that the benefits of our farms survive for many years to come. Every year the Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission (SMADC) sponsors the "Buy Local Challenge" where consumers pledge to eat at least one thing from a local farmer every day during Buy Local Week which is the last week in July. For more information about the challenge, visit the Buy Local Challenge Website.

According to the Buy Local Challenge website, buying local is good for you, good for the local economy and good for the planet. In addition to providing food that's fresh and nutritional, buying from local farms promotes cleaner air and water and reduces our carbon footprint on the planet. If every household in Maryland purchased just $12 worth of farm products for eight weeks (basically the summer season), over $200 million would be put back into the pockets of our farmers.

So. Maryland, So Good

So. Maryland, So Good is a campaign sponsored by SMADC and is designed to help consumers identify truly Southern Maryland products and buy accordingly. By building a direct link between buyers and growers of the five Southern Maryland counties and promoting the advantages of buying local, this program hopes to help keep farming vibrant and vital in Southern Maryland. To view the So. Maryland, So Good: Buy Local Guide, visit the So. Maryland, So Good Website.

Maryland's Best

Maryland's Best is your source to find the best local products from Maryland farmers. From produce, seafood and specialty foods to grains, nursery items and ag-recreational activities, find everything you need and more. Visit Maryland's Best Website for more information.