COLUMBIA, MD (April 14, 2010) – The Howard County Economic Development Authority’s agricultural Marketing Program is set to launch the 2010 Farmers’ Markets at five convenient Howard County locations.

Howard County Farmers’ Markets are special because each is a producer-only market. The vendors are only allowed to sell what they grow or produce from products raised on their farms. Each market sells products that are regionally available during harvest season. To find a list of seasonally available produce click here.

Featuring the season’s freshest, locally grown produce, baked goods, fruits of the season, flowers, transplants, and organically grown produce and specialty items, these markets draw vendors and patrons from all over the region. Introducing two new locations, the 2010 Farmers’ Market schedule offers Howard County new ways to buy local and eat fresh.

2010 Farmers’ Market Locations and Schedule:

East Columbia Library
6600 Cradlerock Way
Columbia, MD 21045
Open: Thursdays, May 6 - November 18, 2 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Directions: From Route 29, take Exit 18 onto Brokenland Parkway toward Owen Brown. Proceed 1 mile and turn left at the second light onto Cradlerock Way. The library is 1/4 mile on the right.
Map

Glenwood Library
2350 Route 97
Glenwood, MD 21723
Open: Saturdays, May 8 - October 30, 9:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Directions: From I-70, take Exit 76 toward Westminster/ Olney onto Route 97, go approximately two miles south. Glenwood Library is on the right.
Map

Oakland Mills Village
5851 Robert Oliver Place
Columbia, MD 21045
Open: Sundays, May 9 - November 21, 9:00 a.m.- 12:30 p.m.
Directions: From Route 29, take Exit 20A onto Route 175 toward Jessup. Turn right onto Thunderhill Rd., then right onto Whiteacre Rd. Turn left onto Stevens Forest Rd. and then left onto Robert Oliver Place.
Map

NEW! Miller Library
9421 Frederick Road
Ellicott City, MD 21042
Open: Wednesdays, June 2 - October 27, 2:00 p.m.- 6:00 p.m.
Directions: From Route 29, take Exit 24B onto Route 40 West. Turn left onto Frederick Rd. Miller Library will be on the left.
Map

NEW! Howard County General Hospital
5755 Cedar Lane
Columbia, MD 21044
Open: Fridays, June 4 - October 29, 2:00 p.m.- 6:00 p.m.
Directions: From Route 32 West, take Exit 17 onto Cedar Lane. A little over a mile, Howard County General will be on the right.
Map

Become a fan and keep up with local farmers’ market news at Howard County Farmers’ Market Facebook page.
 
For further information, please contact Kathy Zimmerman at 410-313-6524 or e-mail kzimmerman@hceda.org.

About the Howard County Economic Development Authority’s Agricultural Marketing Program: The Howard County Economic Development Authority’s Agricultural Marketing Program supports the development of a variety of agricultural businesses in the county. Working in partnership with state and local agencies, such as Farmland Preservation, the Authority provides assistance in promoting products, diversifying activities, and expanding markets for agri-business. Seminars in agricultural sales & marketing and farm financial management help producers enhance the economic viability of their farming operations.

The Howard County Economic Development Authority is a public-private partnership whose primary goal is to promote economic growth and stability by supporting existing businesses, targeting new businesses, and attracting corporate/regional headquarters. The Authority also maintains several programs aimed at the special needs of small, minority-owned, and agricultural business communities. Additionally, the Authority strives to preserve the distinctive quality of life in Howard County. The Authority can be reached on the Web at http://www.hceda.org.

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