State urges: Think globally, eat locally

Fresh, tasty meal is closer than most might think

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Click here to enlarge this photo Staff photo by EMILY BARNES Jennings Hamilton, right, of Pomfret buys some vegetables from Howard Bowling of Faulkner at the La Plata Farmers Market earlier this year. Local farmers might see an increase in sales during next week's Buy Local Challenge, when residents are urged to eat at least one item grown on a local farm. E-Mail This Article | Print This Story

The Buy Local Challenge, which originated in Southern Maryland, asks participants to pledge to eat at least one item from a local farm every day during the week of July 18 through 24. So far, 300 residents throughout the state have committed to the challenge, according to a Web site maintained by Hughesville's Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission, which launched and administers the promotion.

This year, the challenge includes a revamped Web site that allows residents to register their participation and print out a certificate acknowledging their effort. Organizers hope participation will snowball, with people getting their friends and neighbors in on the act, said Susan Russell-McQuilkin, marketing director for the commission.

"We're very excited about the Web site. That's one of the new things that gets people galvanized at the grass roots level. It gives them a personal involvement in taking the challenge," she said. "That personal reference does wonders, of course. You can write as many press releases as you want but the biggest recommendation you can get is from the grass roots."

Ken Korando, who owns Solomons Island Winery with his family, said the business is participating again this year, and hopes it will help bring in new customers.

"We certainly hope it will have some impact," Korando said. "I think we're seeing, as a consequence of the economy, local purchases improving somewhat — counterintuitive, right? I think what we're seeing, because people feel pinched, they're more inclined to buy or do something locally than splurge out of town or look for something not local, extravagant, let's say. ‘Buy local' fits in with the idea of conserving to some degree so, for instance, at wineries we see people coming … on tours because they're local, close, affordable."

He isn't certain if past "buy local" events have boosted sales, but thinks the movement is gathering momentum now.

"I think we're seeing more evidence now, there's been a more concerted effort now, sustained over time" to promote local agriculture, he said. "… I think what it amounts to is the ‘buy local' message has finally started getting out there and work[ing]."

The winery is among several Southern Maryland establishments to be selected to participate in an invitation-only "cookoff" at the governor's mansion Thursday, based on recipes they submitted for evaluation. Korando, with Rob Plant of Blue Wind Gourmet in St. Mary's County, will produce a salad with buffalo strips made from ingredients from the winery, buffalo from Land O' Lakes farm in St. Mary's County, and other Maryland farms.

A main dish, barbecued pulled pork with coleslaw, will be produced by Edward Bowen, a culinary arts student at Huntingtown High School, using meat and produce from Calvert farmers Katie Burroughs and Dee Hardesty.

emitrano@somdnews.com

Up to the challenge?

To join the Buy Local Challenge or communicate with other participants, go to www.buy-local-challenge.com.