SMADC invites food producer listing for new meats, seafood guide

HUGHESVILLE, Md. –  The Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission (SMADC) is now inviting applications from regional meat, poultry and seafood/aquaculture producers to be promoted in the new Southern Maryland Meats and Seafood Guide.

First published in 2012, the Southern Maryland Meats and Seafood Guide was developed in response to the dramatic rise in public awareness and preference for local meats; a demand that continues to grow today. Consumers want to know how their food is produced, where to find it locally, and be assured of clearly defined raising standards. The guide is one of SMADC’s most popular online and printed resources; over 15,000 copies have been distributed region-wide.

The new guide will feature a fresh, updated look and user-friendly format with separate sections dedicated to each industry – meat and seafood. “We’re excited to be updating this important consumer resource,” commented Craig Sewell, SMADC’s Marketing and Livestock specialist. “SMADC is dedicated to helping producers grow their businesses and promoting the availability of locally raised meats. Through our existing Southern Maryland Meats program, this new guide and other SMADC initiatives including establishing a regional processing center and a regional brand identity, we hope to enhance production and marketing opportunities for all of Southern Maryland’s meat and seafood producers.”

Concurrently, SMADC is also developing a new Oyster Aquaculture Guide, a website and companion brochure that is dedicated to the promotion of the region’s oyster industry. Details will be announced in the next few weeks.

Southern Maryland farms and producers of meats (beef, pork, lamb, goat, poultry) and seafood (oyster aquaculture and wild harvest, crabs, finfish) are eligible to be included in the Southern Maryland Meats and Seafood Guide. There is no charge to be listed. Applications are due by February 28, 2019. For details and to apply, visit ‘News and Announcements’ at SMADC.com, or contact info@smadc.com to request a printed application form.