Proposed rules regulating the advertising of "local" foods have been published in the Maryland Register and are available for public comment. The regulations were drafted by MDA as part of a new Maryland law which seeks to bring clarity to consumers as to what constitutes local.
The law authorizes the Secretary to regulate the use of the terms "local" or "locally grown" when used to advertise agricultural and seafood products. It aims to support Maryland farmers and provide transparency to consumers interested in purchasing local foods by informing Marylanders about their local foods purchases.
In recent years, interest in locally produced foods has surged, leading to the rapid growth of farmer's markets, and the appearance of Maryland products in restaurants and grocery stores. However, there has been little agreement as to the definition of "local" foods. A task force of farmers, retail representatives, consumer advocates, and other interested stakeholders provided input for the proposal.
The 2010 Policy Choices Survey by the University of Baltimore Schaefer Center for Public Policy found that 78 percent of Marylanders are more likely to buy produce that is identified as having been grown by a Maryland farmer.
Showing posts with label farming. Show all posts
Showing posts with label farming. Show all posts
Saturday, December 18, 2010
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Maryland Celebrates National Agriculture Week - March 14-20, 2010
Recognizing that agriculture is one of Maryland’s most important industries, the Maryland Department of Agriculture is celebrating National Agriculture Week March 14-20, 2010.
One-third of Maryland’s land is in farms. On those 2 million acres, farmers produce 33.5 million pounds of apples, 1.6 billion pounds of chicken, and 3.5 million tons of peaches among many other food products for citizens to eat.
“Maryland’s agriculture industry is vital to the long-term health of the state’s economy, environment and quality of life.Agriculture week is a great time to recognize the hard work of our farm families and the important role they play in providing a safe and abundant food supply and protecting the environment,” said Agriculture Secretary Buddy Hance.
One-third of Maryland’s land is in farms. On those 2 million acres, farmers produce 33.5 million pounds of apples, 1.6 billion pounds of chicken, and 3.5 million tons of peaches among many other food products for citizens to eat.
“Maryland’s agriculture industry is vital to the long-term health of the state’s economy, environment and quality of life.Agriculture week is a great time to recognize the hard work of our farm families and the important role they play in providing a safe and abundant food supply and protecting the environment,” said Agriculture Secretary Buddy Hance.
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