The demand for local meats is increasing as the public becomes more aware of the benefits of locally raised meats. Several marketing initiatives are currently underway to help promote and sell Southern Maryland farm-raised meats offering increased potential for profit for the region's livestock producers.

Farmers are invited to learn about these innovative marketing opportunities at the Southern Maryland Local Meats Workshop to be held at the SMECO Auditorium, 15035 Burnt Store Road in Hughesville on Wednesday, June 8 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

The workshop will cover information on the Southern Maryland Meats marketing program and retail freezer case venues, available freezer trailers for the transportation of fresh and frozen meats, Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH) licensing guidelines for on-farm and retail sales of freezer and fresh meats (beef, lamb, pork, goat), and more. Speakers include Maryland DHMH, and county agriculture marketing specialists.

The workshop is free to interested livestock producers and the regional farming community, and is sponsored by the Calvert County Sustainable Agriculture Work Group and the Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission (SMADC) in cooperation with Anne Arundel County Economic Development Corporation and Prince George's County University of Maryland Extension.

RSVP by June 3 to: 410-535-4583 or 410-535-1600 Ex. 2340, or email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . In case of cancellation due to inclement weather, call 301-274-1922 Ex.1; enter 29 to hear a recording on the workshop status.