SOUTHERN MARYLAND – Whether you’re a farmer, seafood producer, food entrepreneur or agriculture advocate, there’s no shortage of opportunities this summer and fall through the Maryland Department of Agriculture and its partners. From networking events and international trade missions to educational webinars and grant funding, now is the time to get involved.
Coffee and Conversations for Veteran & Military-Connected Farmers
Veterans, military families, homesteaders, beginning farmers and gardeners are invited to connect with University of Maryland Extension staff and fellow producers during a free morning of networking and conversation.
Date: Saturday, Aug. 22
Time: 9:30–11:30 a.m.
Location: Twin Arch Tavern, Mt. Airy, MD
Topics include:
- Connecting with Extension staff
- Sharing farming challenges and successes
- Building resilience and community
Breakfast and coffee will be provided.
Register here: https://go.umd.edu/2026VCCFredAg
Questions? Contact Kristin Hanna at skiddle@umd.edu or 301-600-3577.
Promote Your Seafood With Maryland’s True Blue Program
Maryland seafood producers are encouraged to take advantage of the True Blue Maryland Crab program to help consumers identify authentic Maryland crab products.
Take Your Products Global
The Southern United States Trade Association (SUSTA) is offering Maryland businesses opportunities to connect with international buyers through several upcoming trade missions and exhibitions.
Seafood Expo Asia
Singapore
Sept. 2–4, 2026
Maryland seafood producers can participate alongside the Maryland Department of Agriculture and SUSTA.
More information:
https://www.seafoodexpo.com/asia/
China Outbound Trade Mission
Beijing & Shenyang
Sept. 13–16, 2026
Meet pre-qualified buyers and participate in one-on-one business meetings.
More information:
https://www.susta.org
Hong Kong Outbound Trade Mission
Sept. 17–19, 2026
Build relationships with buyers in one of Asia’s most dynamic consumer markets.
More information:
https://www.susta.org
Complete SUSTA activity listings:
https://www.susta.org
Questions about membership:
stone.slade@maryland.gov
Maryland Farm to Institution Research & Policy Symposium
Mark your calendars for a statewide forum focused on Maryland local food procurement.
Date: Sept. 2, 2026
Time: 9:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
Location: Maryland Department of Agriculture
50 Harry S. Truman Parkway
Annapolis, MD
Additional details will be announced soon.
Maryland’s Best in the News
Maryland’s Best continues to spotlight local agriculture and seafood through media coverage across television, radio, podcasts and print publications.
Recent coverage includes:
- Blueberry Month
- National Ice Cream Month
- Wild-caught Blue Catfish
- Soft Shell Crab
🦀 Seafood Industry Opportunities
Upcoming opportunities include:
- Blue Catfish Market Study now available
- LSU Seafood Industry Evaluation seeking Maryland participants
Sign up: https://lsu.qualtrics.com/ - Maryland seafood processors interested in future chef tours can email:
kristin.hanna@maryland.gov - Seafood Marketing Workgroup
- Western Shore Meeting: Aug. 18
- Eastern Shore Meeting: Aug. 25
- Maryland State Fair vendor opportunities
- EAT REAL school nutrition program
Contact: greta@eatreal.org
🌱 Agriculture Events
Free Agritourism Webinar
Aug. 20, 2026
Hosted by University of Maryland Extension.
Registration:
https://extension.umd.edu
Learning Series: Procurement Partners
Helping institutions strengthen local food purchasing relationships.
Date: Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026
Time: 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
For more information:
rkolm@law.umaryland.edu
Grant Opportunities
Several funding opportunities are currently available, including:
International Year of the Woman Farmer Survey
Complete the survey:
https://bit.ly/ (link referenced in newsletter)
USDA Specialty Crop Assistance
Applications remain available for eligible specialty crop producers.
Learn more:
https://www.fsa.usda.gov
Chesapeake Value Chain Coordination Project
Supports farm-to-institution sales, delivery routes and wholesale expansion.
Information:
https://caic.org
Questions:
alice@caic.org
vcc@caic.org
Maryland’s Best Ice Cream Trail Continues
The trail continues through the full month of August! Consumers have until September 7 to visit as many locations as possible and submit via the free digital pass or postmark their paper map by September 10 to redeem for prizes. Paper maps can be sent to: Maryland Department of Agriculture, Attn: Kristin Hanna, 50 Harry S. Truman Pkwy, Annapolis, MD 21401
The Update
Since the last newsletter we have surpassed 3,000 passes claimed and added another 1,000 check-ins. The trail is more than just ice cream, it exposes consumers to farms and shows them where our food comes from! In our September newsletter we will announce the winner of the trail and share which locations had the most check-ins!
There’s still time to explore Maryland’s Best Ice Cream Trail throughout August.
Participants have until Sept. 7 to visit participating creameries and submit digital or paper passport check-ins.
Paper passports can be requested by contacting:
Kristin Hanna
Maryland Department of Agriculture
50 Harry S. Truman Parkway
Annapolis, MD 21401
Learn more:
https://marylandsbest.net
Eat Well. Buy Local.
Shout out to Klein’s Shop Rite for this awesome display featuring local products from Miller Farms!  If you need produce display boxes and are a current Maryland’s Best member, you can order these for FREE through the shop on marylandsbest.net. Please note, you must arrange pick-up or delivery with a staff member.
Support Maryland farmers by purchasing locally grown products and looking for Maryland’s Best displays in stores across the state.
Consumers can also order select Maryland’s Best products online at:
For more information about all Maryland’s Best programs, events and producer resources, visit: https://mda.maryland.gov/Pages/default.aspx
