Contact:  Alexis Henderson
Anne Arundel Economic Development Corporation
410-222-7410

 

 

ANNAPOLIS, MD (April 7, 2011) - - - Anne Arundel County is one of 5 counties participating in a new agricultural program that promotes safe, humane, locally produced meats.  The Southern Maryland Meats program begins in Anne Arundel County with an event on Sunday, April 17th from 1:00-2:30 pm at Homestead Gardens in Davidsonville, MD.

 

The event will feature speakers from local livestock farms including Zekiah Farms in Bryantown, MD and Ivy Neck Farm in Anne Arundel County.  Dr. Christine Bergmark, Executive Director of the Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission, will discuss the Southern Maryland Meats Program, Mike Smollen, owner of My Butcher and More in Annapolis, will talk about his role in the program and his support for buying local products, and Chef James Barrett from the Westin Hotel in Annapolis will grill and give away sample sliders made with beef from Ivy Neck Farm.

 

“The Southern Maryland Meats Program will call attention to Anne Arundel County’s family farms and their quality, locally grown meat,” said Anne Arundel County Executive John R. Leopold.  “I encourage everyone to consider incorporating locally grown ingredients into their meals.”

 

“Americans are becoming more and more interested in knowing what is on their plate, where it comes from, and who produced it,” said Dr. Bergmark. “Every time we speak about “Buying Local” and the need to support our area’s farms, people have asked where they could purchase local meat. Until now, it has been extraordinarily difficult. Consumers buying directly from the farm had to buy the whole cow, not just the steak!” “We are very pleased to help our farms now sell meat cuts produced from animals on their own farms,” continued Bergmark. “Not only are customers getting a quality product, they are also supporting their farm neighbors, and it tastes great too!”

 

Homestead Gardens is one of three locations in Anne Arundel County that will carry meat registered with the Southern Maryland Meats Program. A display case purchased with grant funds from the Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission will be located near the Homestead Gardens Café.  Southern Maryland Meats can also be purchased at My Butcher and More off Forest Drive in Annapolis and at the Anne Arundel County Farmers Market located at Riva Road and Harry Truman Parkway. 

 

About the Southern Maryland Meats Program
The Southern Maryland Meats Program includes local family farmers from Anne Arundel, Calvert, Charles, Prince Georges, and St. Mary’s Counties.  The Program is committed to the community and the environment and takes pride in offering safe, quality meats raised on local family farms. All animals are raised, transported and processed humanely, as defined in the Southern Maryland Meat Program Standards.  They are not fed animal by-products or given growth implants.  They are not given antibiotics unless medically necessary and consumers have access to clear, consistent and accurate information about how the animal was raised and fed. For additional information on the Southern Maryland Meats program visit www.southernmarylandmeats.com.

 

About the Anne Arundel County Agriculture Program
The Anne Arundel Economic Development Corporation manages and promotes agricultural and environmental programs on behalf of Anne Arundel County. These programs are part of the AAEDC mission to serve business needs and to increase the County’s economic base through job growth and investment. For additional information on agriculture programs or Farmers Markets’ in Anne Arundel County please contact Lisa Barge at the Anne Arundel Economic Development Corporation, (410) 222-7410 or visit our website at www.aaedc.org.