By Jamie Martin
Governor Wes Moore officially launched the 2025 Governor’s Buy Local Cookout at the Maryland Department of Agriculture, marking the start of Maryland Buy Local Week from July 17 to 27.
The event encourages residents to take the “Buy Local Challenge” by including a Maryland-grown, produced, or harvested item in their meals each day.
Governor Moore emphasized the importance of local agriculture, stating, “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.”
Maryland’s agriculture and seafood sectors significantly contribute to the state’s economy. A 2022 study by Salisbury University highlighted a $16 billion impact.
Poultry remains Maryland’s top commodity, with over 12,550 farms spread across 1.9 million acres. The seafood industry supports over 2,000 jobs, particularly on the Eastern Shore.
The Buy Local Challenge, launched in 2006, has expanded into a statewide initiative. This year’s cookout featured 11 chefs preparing dishes using local ingredients, along with oyster samples, BBQ chicken, and ice cream from Maryland’s Best Ice Cream Trail. Live music and exhibits added to the community celebration.
Maryland Department of Agriculture Secretary Kevin Atticks noted, “Making the conscious choice to eat and drink locally keeps our economy humming.”
The 2025 Challenge also includes a contest where participants can share photos of their local purchases on social media with #BuyLocalChallenge for a chance to win a prize.
For details on local products and farmers markets, Marylanders can visit marylandsbest.net and support the Buy Local movement year-round.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-stockseller_ukr
Categories: National