PRINCE FREDERICK, Md. (January 6, 2010) – In an effort to provide the freshest foods possible and reduce environmental impact, more restaurants than ever now offer locally grown foods to their customers. However, there are tricks and challenges to “going local,” both for restaurateurs and farmers.
On Tuesday, January 12, at 2:30 p.m., the Calvert County Sustainable Agriculture Workgroup will offer a special workshop, “Calvert County Harvest Menus,” to provide farmers and chefs with useful information on buying and serving local farm products.
The purpose of the Workgroup is to facilitate revenue opportunities for farmers; facilitate market opportunities for farmers and consumers; help the community understand the importance of farming; and build a more sustainable community that is better insulated from price fluctuations and unsafe foods.
The buyer from Restaurant Nora in Washington, D.C., will share her experiences in purchasing fresh, local products for the restaurant. In April 1999, Restaurant Nora became America's first certified organic restaurant, meaning that 95 percent or more of everything served is produced by certified organic growers and farmers who share Nora's commitment to sustainable agriculture. Nora offers seasonal, fresh organic food prepared in a healthy, balanced way so customers know that what's on their plate hasn't polluted the environment, is healthy and tastes good.
The Calvert County Sustainable Agriculture Workgroup is composed of representatives from the Calvert County Department of Economic Development, the Soil Conservation District, the Maryland Cooperative Extension Service, the Calvert County Department of General Services, the Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission, the Calvert County office of the Maryland Health Department and the Calvert County Department of Planning and Zoning.
The “Calvert County Harvest Menus” workshop will be held at the Calvert Library at 850 Costley Way, Prince Frederick, Md. The workshop is free but preregistration is requested.
For more information on the Calvert County Sustainable Agriculture Workgroup or to register for this event, call Judy Trow at 410-535-1600, ext. 2340, or e-mail trowjl(at)co.cal.md.us.