The Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) national marketing office helps farmers and agricultural producers market their products directly to supermarkets, hotels, food service businesses and to other wholesale buyers as well as to consumers. Its services fall into four major categories:

1. Identifying and promoting Maryland’s Best® products through advertising promotional activities, farmers’ markets, and trade shows
2. Establishing and expanding mutually profitable relationships between producers and buyers
3. Educating producers about changing market conditions and opportunities
4. Developing policies and resources to improve the business climate for Maryland’s agricultural producers

Maryland’s Best® products include direct-from-the-farm products (e.g., poultry, ornamental plants, dairy products, grain) and processed or value-added products (e.g., ice cream, bread, candy, snack foods). In 2007, nearly 300 farmers participated in 82 farmers’ markets across the state, and others supplied products to dozens of grocery chains, restaurants, and garden centers. MDA hosted numerous events to introduce producers and wholesale buyers and to educate producers about new opportunities for profitable business. MDA also is staffing various initiatives to address emerging opportunities (e.g., bio-diesel, wine, and aged raw-milk cheese) and worked with other state and local government agencies to address regulatory issues impacting agricultural producers.

A companion International Marketing office helps Maryland companies market agricultural products around the world. The program offers directories, trade shows, seminars and trade missions for Maryland producers interested in exporting.

For more information, visit www.marylandsbest.NET or call 410-841-5770.