Farmers can now be connected directly to consumers through a newly published directory from the Harford County Office of Economic Development.
Officials recently published the Harford County Direct Marketing Guide, containing product lists, hours, locations and numbers for 16 local farmers who sell their products from their homes, said county spokeswoman Susan Collins.
County Agriculture Coordinator C. John Sullivan said he worked with the Office of Economic Development producing the guide because his office fielded so many calls from people interested in buying local produce. More consumers are seeking confidence in the sources and quality of their food, he said.
“There?s a certain comfort level in seeing the farmer who put the food on your table,” Sullivan said.
With property values and encroaching development pressuring farmers to increase the profitability of their land, more are turning to high-quality products sold directly to consumers. Some farmers are shiftingto high-value crops like sweet corn and selling them directly at roadside stands; others are switching to “green” or organic farming methods, Sullivan said.
Products available through the guide will include eggs laid by free-range hens, seasonal produce, locally raised meats and locally produced wines and cheeses, Collins said.
The county?s guide will also include a calendar of agriculture-related events, dates for the four area farmer?s markets, and listings for eight “off-site” locations selling local farmers? produce, homemade ice cream, honey and other products, Sullivan said.
Copies will be available at Harford County Public Libraries and at two participating growers, Brooms Bloom Dairy in Bel Air and Fiore Winery in Pylesville.
