Columbia, MD (July 7, 2008) - The Howard County Economic Development Authority’s Agricultural Marketing Program has joined other Maryland counties in the Buy Local Challenge 2008, July 19-27, 2008.

Held the last week of every July, the Buy Local Challenge brings awareness to how the community can help participate in growing the rural economy. Howard County residents are encouraged to buy from local farms, farm stands, farmers’ markets, wineries, groceries and markets that offer genuine local products, or dine at restaurants that serve local farm food and wine.

This challenge is designed for you to incorporate this way of eating and buying into your lifestyle. The important thing is to start thinking FRESH, LOCAL, SEASONAL when you make choices about buying and preparing meals, snacking, and dining out.

You may wonder, why the push to buy and eat local? According to a 2001 issue of Growing for Market, there are tremendous benefits:

• Locally grown food tastes better. It’s crisp, sweet and loaded with flavor.
• Local produce is better for you. Locally grown food, eaten soon after harvest, retains its nutrients.
• Local food supports local farm families.
• Local food builds community. When you buy direct from the farmer, you are re-establishing a time-honored connection between the eater and the grower.
• Local food preserves the rural character and open space. Picturesque barns, lush fields of crops, and meadows full of wildflowers will survive only as long as farms are financially viable.

“Nothing tastes better than locally grown fruits and vegetables at the peak of freshness,” said Kathy Zimmerman, Agricultural Marketing Specialist for the Howard County Economic Development Authority. “When we buy local, we are helping to strengthen the agricultural economy.”

So, are you ready for the Buy Local Challenge? If not, here is how to get started:

All you have to do is pledge to eat local and buy local during the week of July 19-27. That is all you need to do to enjoy food that's bursting with flavor and nutrition.

About the Buy Local Challenge and Buy Local Week:  The Buy Local Challenge and Buy Local Week (last week in July every year) were initiated by the Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission of the Tri-County Council. For more information about The Buy Local Challenge and Buy Local Week, please visit, www.buy-local-challenge.com.

About Howard County’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. For more information about Howard County’s Agricultural Marketing Program, please visit www.hceda.org/agriculture/.

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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