As summer peaks in Southern Maryland, the abundance of fresh peaches, tomatoes, corn, and leafy greens fills local farmers markets, offering residents a chance to savor the season’s bounty. To celebrate this vibrant time, Governor Wes Moore has proclaimed August 3-9, 2025, as Maryland Farmers Market Week, aligning with National Farmers Market Week.
The Maryland Department of Agriculture, through its Maryland’s Best program, urges Southern Marylanders to visit markets in Charles, St. Mary’s, and Calvert counties to support local farmers and watermen. The week-long celebration will culminate in a lively event at the Berlin Farmers Market on August 10, featuring a World Food Championship Chef Competition.
Maryland Farmers Market Week highlights the vital role markets play in connecting communities with fresh, local food. “I consistently hear from Marylanders how they love shopping at farmers markets, and we love the opportunity to take a week and celebrate all the farmers, organizers, and communities do,” said Maryland Department of Agriculture Secretary Kevin Atticks. From produce to honey, eggs, meats, breads, flowers, coffee, and even spirits, markets like those in La Plata and Prince Frederick offer a one-stop shop for Southern Maryland residents. A directory of markets, searchable by county or zip code, is available at marylandsbest.net, ensuring easy access to locations across the region.
Throughout Maryland Farmers Market Week, several markets will host special events. On August 5, the Boonsboro Farmers Market will engage visitors with trivia from 4-7 p.m. The Agrihood Baltimore Farmers Market joins the festivities on August 6 from 3:30-7:30 p.m., featuring food trucks and artisans. That same day, the Savage Farmers Market will welcome the Howard County Executive Office for a proclamation at 4:30 p.m. On August 9, the 32nd Street Farmers Market in Baltimore celebrates its 45th anniversary with tractor photo ops, farm animals, live music, and tote bag giveaways from 7 a.m. to noon.
The week concludes in Worcester County at the Berlin Farmers Market on August 10 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Managed by the Berlin Main Street Program, this market hosts over 50 vendors and will feature a chef competition organized by the Restaurant Association of Maryland and the World Food Championships. Chefs Justine Zegna, Toby Gilbert, Yancey Caripico, and Josh Morrison will create dishes using at least five Maryland-grown ingredients, including one protein, with judging by a panel including MDA Deputy Secretary Steve Connelly. “As a producers-only market, it’s extra special to see our very own chefs showcasing what can be done with fresh, local ingredients,” said Ivy Wells, Director of Economic and Community Development for the Town of Berlin.
Many markets, including Berlin, participate in the Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (FMNP), a USDA-funded initiative administered by the Maryland Department of Agriculture. In 2024, FMNP enabled 28,785 households to spend $632,303 on fresh produce and honey at markets and farm stands. The Maryland Market Money program further supports food access by matching federal nutrition benefits dollar-for-dollar, serving 10,934 households with $676,428 in 2024. Southern Marylanders can explore these programs at mda.maryland.gov to maximize their market experience during Maryland Farmers Market Week.
