Governor Moore and Maryland Department of Agriculture to Host 2024 Governor’s Buy Local Cookout

Governor Moore and Maryland Department of Agriculture to Host 2024 Governor’s Buy Local Cookout

July 22, 2024

ANNAPOLIS, MD – Governor Wes Moore hosted the 2024 Governor’s Buy Local Cookout tonight at the Maryland Department of Agriculture. The event officially kicks off Maryland Buy Local Week From July 19 through July 28, we are encouraging Maryland residents to take part in the Buy Local Challenge by incorporating at least one locally grown, produced, or harvested item into their meals every day.

“When Marylanders buy local, they not only support small businesses, they engage our shared heritage and keep our state competitive.” said Governor Moore. “Today, we recognize the important contributions of Maryland agriculture to our economy, our identity and our future. And together, we will grow this vital sector for years to come.”

The Buy Local Challenge, launched in 2006 by the Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commissionhas grown into a statewide initiative. Maryland’s agricultural and seafood industries contribute more than $16 billion to the state’s economy and support more than 68,000 jobs, according to a 2018 study by BEACON at Salisbury University.

“This summer it’s all about ‘Eat like a Marylander‘ and what better way to do that than by buying fresh, Maryland-grown proteins, seafood and vegetables, said Kevin Atticks, Maryland Secretary of Agriculture. “We’ve made it easier than ever to find ways to buy local. Just visit MarylandsBest.net for a list of all the Maryland-grown produce near you.”

The event featured tastings of dishes prepared by local chefs using locally sourced ingredients, live music, and exhibits featuring Maryland Department of Agriculture programs. Recipes in each major food category included appetizers, entrees, and desserts. Chefs submitted simple and creative recipes featuring at least one local Maryland vegetable, fruit, or seafood, demonstrating how the average Maryland family can prepare delicious, nutritious meals using locally grown food at home.

The best of MarylandThe department’s marketing program has recently focused on building a market for wild Chesapeake catfish to chefs, consumers, restaurants, grocery stores and distributors to encourage more people to buy, eat and sell the fish. The blue catfish was introduced to the Chesapeake Bay decades ago and has increased dramatically in numbers. Eating blue catfish helps other species in the bay, including crabs, oysters, and rockfish. The fish is a tasty, white, flaky fish that is excellent in Maryland’s Best Recipes.

Visit marylandsbest.net to find local Maryland produce, find a farmers market and more to support Buy Local Week and the Buy Local Challenge in Maryland.

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2024 Buy Local Kookout Press Kit