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February 2016
"In seed-time learn, in harvest teach, in winter enjoy."
~William Blake
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FRESH.
Winter Farmers Markets & Food Drops
Vendors from the Greenbelt Farmers Market (GFM) will organize food drops the 3rd Sunday of every month through April. Vendors include Ferguson Family Farms (meat), Shlagel Farms (produce), True Oceans True Foods (eggs and seafood), and Three Springs Fruit Farm. Next drop is February 21st. Ferguson Family Farm will arrange drops on the 1st Sunday of the month as well. You can find a few other GFM vendors at the Greenbelt Coop or Riverdale Park Farmers Market. Subscribe to the GFM newsletter via their homepage for more information.
Riverdale Park Farmers Market 
Join the Riverdale Park Farmers Market each Thursday, 3 to 7p
m. Enjoy local music, kids activities, great farmers market vendors and other artisans. The indoor market is located at 4650 Queensbury Rd, Riverdale Park, Maryland 20737. For more information, visit their Facebook page.
Their music schedule through early March is as follows:
- 2/4/16: Michael Sevener
- 2/11/16: Charles Solomon
- 2/18/16: Brulee
- 2/25/16: Audrey Engdahl
- 3/3/16: Tom Gleason
So You Want to Start a Farmers Market?
 The Maryland Farmers Market Association (MDFMA) presents a new,
six-part series (February through April) covering key topics to consider when starting a farmers market in Maryland. This series combines online learning and in-person sessions where you can take advantage of MDFMA staff's 20 years of combined experience working in food systems to learn tips and tricks for a successful beginning
to market operations. The Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) will also share key
information about the role of federal nutrition benefits programs at farmers markets. Whether you are a newer market in Prince George's County or thinking about starting a market in your community, get your
market off to the right start and register today!
Bill Would Require Public Schools to List A La Carte Foods
Prince George's County Delegate Diana Fennell is sponsoring a bill in the Maryland State Legislature on behalf of
Healthy School Food Maryland to require all K-12 public schools in Maryland to list the a la carte foods (like chips, ice cream and cookies) that are sold in school cafeterias (but are not part of the meal) on school menus. If you have had the experience of being surprised by your child's a la carte purchases eating away at their lunch account or adding to their waistline, please contact Lindsey Parsons at
[email protected].
Find the full list of county markets from the 2015 season here. We will update the directory for the 2016 season later this spring. You are also welcome to print out our downloadable directory! Note that the most updated version is on the website.
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Join Romano Vineyard & Winery for the MD Passport Experience!
Join the Romanos every Saturday, noon to 5pm, for tastings. In addition, they will be open
February 20 & 21 and February 27 & 28 for the Maryland Passport Experience. As part of the Passport Experience at Romano's they will sample award winning cheeses from P.A. Bowen Farmstead!
For more information, visit their
website
and Facebook
page.
Calvert Brewing Company Has Opened Its Doors!
 Calvert Brewing Company's production brewery is now open at 15850 Commerce Ct in Upper Marlboro. Fully equipped with a state of the art mash filtration system, this new technology allows them to brew more efficiently, using 20% less grain and almost a third less water. Their Farm Brewery and beer garden in Prince Frederick has been open since 2014 and already gained a huge local following. Now, the public can come visit the tap room to sample flights, try a pint, take home growlers, and witness where all the magic happens. Hours are Thursday and Friday from 3-9pm and Saturday from 12-9pm. Visit their
Facebook page and
website for more information.
Annie's Project Supper Series - Farm Education Classes for Women Offered in Prince George's County
Annie's project is designed to empower women in agriculture to manage information and learn about agriculture in a relaxed local network. The target audience is women with a passion for agriculture.
Project Topics cover the five areas of Risk Management - Production, Market, Financial, Legal Risk, and Human Resources.
Annie's Project Supper Series - These workshops will incorporate the values of Annie's Project and focus them into four, stand alone, one night sessions. Register for one or all.
Workshops will be held on the following Wednesdays:
February 24, March 2, March 9 and March 16 (Snow day: March 23)
Workshop Hours: 6:00pm-9:00pm
Cost: $15.00 per person per workshop
Includes: Dinner and all course materials
Prince George's County - How Will Prince George's County Farmers Deliver Their Product to Local Customers?
This is a problem that needs a solution. In an effort to establish and scale up the local food supply chain in Prince George's County, I ask chefs and restaurants if they work with local farmers. They say they are willing to establish a local supply chain and want to be good community partners. These potential customers for local farmers REQUIRE delivery. I currently know (3) chefs that want to build relationships with local farmers. Read more...
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Logistics -- our local food blind spot:
Michael Rozyne at TEDxManhattan
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- Barry Abrams
Visit the calendar on the Prince George's County 'Fresh. Local. Fun.' website for information about more local farm and food events!
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FUN.
Paint Nite with the Accokeek Foundation
This Valentine's Day, love is for the birds at the Accokeek Foundation! Join them on Thursday, February 11 from 7-9 pm for a Paint Nite fundraiser benefiting the Foundation's Bluebird Monitoring program. Enjoy snacks and cocktails, and a lot of fun while learning how to paint these beautiful native birds. $15 of every ticket sold goes directly to purchasing supplies for building new cavity nest boxes, replacing predator guards, and equipping the Bluebird Monitors with the tools they need to safely monitor their trail of 20 nest boxes. Some snacks and drinks provided but feel free to BYOB. 21+ only please.
Purchase tickets online by January 25, 2016. Tickets must be purchased in advance. No walk-ins. Questions? Email Casey Lowe at
[email protected] or call 301-283-2113. Reserve your tickets
here.
ECO City Farms Offers Community Herbalism Wellness Series
 The science and art of using plants and foods for building and maintaining good health and for healing reaches back to the very beginning of recorded history. The practice of growing, harvesting, and making of herbal products to achieve wellness connects us to Traditional Chinese, Ayurveda, Native American and Western medicinal practices. ECO has recently significantly increased the variety and amounts of herbs and spices grown at our farms to better serve the needs and palates of our community.
Pre-registration is required. Please contact [email protected] or 443-447-0313 to register or with any questions.
Cost: $50 each class, materials fee included. ($130 for the 3 class series, prepaid). Registration is non-refundable but is transferable. Please note: No one will be turned away for lack of funds. We offer a sliding fee scale discount, if needed.
Date & Time: All classes are on a Tuesday from 6:00 pm to 7: 30pm
Part 1: Discussion About Diabetes and Latest Research on Herbs (Feb 2).
Part 2: The Spices of Life (Feb 23), Your Kitchen Apothecary (March 8), Healthy Flavors and Seasonings (March 22).
For more information, refer to the
flyer
or visit the
website
.
ECO is Hiring Interns & Apprentices for the Upcoming Season!
ECO's apprenticeships and internship program presents an immersive, hands-on opportunity to learn about sustainable urban agriculture by working
directly with experienced farm staff. In addition, you make a significant
contribution to ECO's programs. Both Internships and Apprenticeships run in
2 6-month cycles: a spring/summer season (March-September) and a
fall/winter season (September-March).
*Apprenticeships* are for those who've demonstrated a long-term commitment to farming and require a weekly 16-hour commitment. Apprentices receive a weekly CSA bag, in-kind opportunities for workshops, courses and farm visits, and a weekly travel stipend.
*Internships* are for those who want to get a feel for urban farming
without making a huge commitment, and require 6 work hours per week.
Interns are unpaid, but receive in-kind opportunities for workshops,
courses, and farm visits.
*To Apply*
Please visit their website for more information. Applications can be submitted to Interim Farm Manager, Emily Hanak at [email protected].
Celebrate FeBREWary - Prince George's County Breweries Featured This Month!
WHAT:
Love thy Beer: Winter Warmer Showcase
WHEN: February 12th @ 6pm-10pm
WHERE: Silver Spring Civic Building, Silver Spring, MD
DETAILS: In honor of FeBREWary, Maryland Craft Beer Lover's Month, Love Thy Beer is a Brewers Association of Maryland event for the ultimate craft beer enthusiast.
Attendees will get the opportunity to chat with brewers and owners of local breweries in an intimate setting over seasonal ales. Think: stouts, porters, winter seasonals, sours, and anything out of the barrel!
The VIP hour from 6-7pm, will feature a selection of specialty beers and early entry into the event. Think: small batch, limited edition, and selections from the cellar.
Enjoy all you care to sample of some of the best winter brews along with light fare provided Mission BBQ and live music from
Skirbe.
FEATURED BREWERIES: 7 Locks Brewing * Antietam Brewery * Brewer's Alley * The Brewer's Art *
Calvert Brewing Company* Denizens Brewing Co * DuClaw Brewing Company * Flying Dog Brewery *
Franklins Brewery * Jailbreak Brewing Company * Monocacy Brewing Company * Mully's Brewery * Oliver Brewing Co. * Pub Dog Brewing Co. * Raven Beer * Union Craft Brewing * Waredaca Brewing Company
MAIN EVENT: 7pm-10pm, $65
- 3 hour tasting
- Signature BAM Glass
- Live Music
- Light Fare
VIP RECEPTION: 6pm-7pm, $80
- 1 Hour Early Entry
- 4 Hour Tasting Session
- Selection of Specialty Beers (not available at the main event)
- Signature BAM Glass
- Live Music
- Light Fare
Visit their
website for tickets and more info!!
Check out this Pastured Poultry Winter Watering Solution at Forested of Bowie
...yet another great use for compost!
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SMADC is currently accepting applications to be included in the new Historic Horse Trail!
The Southern MD Agriculture Development Commission has been invited by the Maryland Horse Industry Board to develop a mapped, self-guided trail of documented, equine-related destinations (sites) throughout the region (Calvert, Charles, Prince George's and St. Mary's counties) that illustrate the historically significant role horses have played in Southern Maryland's past, particularly the hunt, thoroughbred racing, jousting, agriculture, transportation, etc. The guide and website will be supplemented with tidbits, features, stories, photos and more.
In addition to destination sites along the Trail, everyone is invited to submit information and materials they are willing to share. (tidbits, stories, anecdotes, photos and memorabilia) that enhance the Trail visitor's appreciation of the role of horses in the region's history.
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Farm Open House
Cabin Creek Heritage Farm
Cabin Creek is a local, pasture-based, sustainable family farm. They offer woodland-raised Berkshire pork, pulled Berkshire pork BBQ, pastured rabbit, Coturnix quail and quail eggs.
Also plan to check out their pastured chicken and eggs (pastured, corn/soy-free). Store hours are on Saturdays and by appointment.
Location:
18235 Clagett Landing Road,
Upper Marlboro
Visit their
website for Open House hours and details.
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Chocolate Lovers Tea at
Montpelier Mansion
Saturday, February 13, 1:30pm
Bring someone special - including yourself! - to an elegant tea starring that most heavenly of confections: chocolate! A lovely way to celebrate the sweetness of food, friends and family. We'll also serve a prix fixe menu of fine finger sandwiches, scrumptious cakes and pastries, buttery scones, and your choice of two quality loose leaf teas, all served on china and tiered stands.
Reservations and advance payment required.
$29 per person, $25 for members of Friends of Montpelier. Price includes gratuity and self-guided tour of the mansion.
Reservations required by Wednesday, February 10! Call 301-377-7817 (no e-mail reservations please)
Location: Montpelier Mansion
9650 Muirkirk Road (Muirkirk Road at Route 197) Laurel, Maryland 20708
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Marietta House Museum Events
February 20, 2016
First Ladies Tea
, Saturday, February 20, 2pm. From Martha Washington to Michele Obama, the First Ladies have been hosting various teas, luncheons, and events. Join us for tea and a variety of recipes from some of our First Ladies. Guests will be seated in the historic rooms of the home. Reservations required and space is limited. Fee: $25/person
Location:
5626 Bell Station Road, Glenn Dale, MD. 20769.
Contact: 301-464-5291
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Maryland Organic Food & Farming Association (MOFFA)
WINTER MEETING
February 20, 2016
(Snow Date February 27)
8:00 AM-5:00 PM
Maryland Dept. of Agriculture
50 Harry S. Truman Parkway
Annapolis, MD
Information for farmers and gardeners in search of new ideas, techniques, & inspiration, as well as networking opportunities for consumers and distributors looking for good sources of local, organic food.
Presentations, Panels and Workshops
Join farmers, consumers, advocates, and National Organic Program members to:
- Bring home information you can really use
- Add your voice to discussions about nutrition and agriculture, climate change, soil and sustainable organic farming and gardening.
- Network with some of the pioneers of the organic food movement
Homegrown 'Eat Local' Potluck Lunch
- One of the highlights of the meeting
- Bring a dish to share at the best local lunch around!
Seed Swap ~ Silent Auction ~ Display Tables
Only $5 for members and $20 for non-members
For more information visit:
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MDA's Produce Seasonality Charts
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Do you have an interesting idea or event that you would like to share in the newsletter or even an interest in contributing an article?
Have you enjoyed a tasty, locally-made dish or treat in Prince George's County?
Did you have a phenomenal experience at one of our County's farm destinations or farmers markets?
If you answered yes to any of these, we'd love to hear from you! Send us an email or call us at 301.868.8780.
Warmly,
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_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
The Prince George's County Farms & Food Newsletter and pgcountyfarmfun.com are both published by the Agriculture Marketing Consultant of the University of Maryland, Prince George's County. University of Maryland Extension is a statewide educational organization funded by federal, state, and local governments. Our mission is to support Maryland's agricultural industry; protect its valuable natural resources; enhance the well-being of families and individuals, both young and old; and foster the development of strong, stable communities. University of Maryland Extension programs are open to all citizens without regard to race, color, gender, disability, religion, age, sexual orientation, marital or parental status, or national origin.
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