|
|
September 2016
"Shipping is a terrible thing to do to vegetables. They probably get jet-lagged, just like people."
~Elizabeth Berry
|
|
FRESH.
New Winery Opens in Prince George's County!
 Gemeny Winery and Vineyards is located in Southern Maryland on Cedarville Road in Brandywine Maryland. The second winery to open it's doors in Prince Georges's county, Gemeny Winery offers a lush landscape of working farm land which is home to 2 acres of grapes. Such varietals grown in the vineyards at Gemeny Farms range from Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Vidal Blanc, Traminette, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Norton. These wines give a great taste into the land of Maryland and Prince George's county and are also accompanied by juices purchased out of state to finish the menu of wines available for tasting and the menu is constantly evolving from week to week.
The tasting room is open on Saturday's and Sunday's from
10am to 6pm each day with additional days and hours to come in the future as the demand makes a call for it. Special events will also be hosted at the venue as fall comes around and the year comes to an end.
Taste of Fall Farm Dinner
 Tickets now on sale for this September 18 event! Join honorary event chairs, Senator Mike Miller and Delegate Elizabeth Proctor at the 2016 Taste of Fall Farm Dinner in celebrating the extraordinary legacy of Delegate James Proctor and his support and advocacy for education in Prince George's County and the State of Maryland. Proceeds from this event will support the Accokeek Foundation's agriculture education programs including the Agriculture Conservation Corps and AgLab.
The fall dinner is hosted by the Accokeek Foundation and served on the National Colonial Farm includes a cocktail reception with a live jazz trio, local chef demonstrations and appetizers, dinner provided by Susan Gage Caterers with wines by The Vineyards at Dodon, and a silent auction with fabulous gifts and services.
Visit their website for more information.
Don't forget that many farmers markets in the county are still open! Visit www.pgcountyfarmfun.com for more information!
Several Education and Work Experience Opportunities Available with ECO City Farms
 ECO City Farms is currently in search of an experienced production farmer capable of managing our Edmonston Farm. This is a year-round Certified Naturally Grown, organic urban vegetable and microgreens farm. A minimum of three years on-farm experience is required. Position opens on Sept.1, 2016 until filled. Please email an up-to-date resume, a cover letter detailing your experience, and three references to
[email protected]
. Learn more about the job
HERE
.
Call for Interns & Apprentices: Now is the time to apply for an apprenticeship or internship with ECO! We are now accepting applications for our Fall/Winter season, September to March, for both the Edmonston Farm and the Bladensburg Farm. Learn first-hand about the inner workings of and urban farm alongside our farm managers and staff. Click
HERE
to learn more about this opportunity and how to apply.
Recruiting for Beginning Farmer Training Program: ECO City Farms is the proud recipient of a Beginning Urban Farmer training grant. Our year-long training cycle begins in January 2017 for 12 select participants. If you want to be one of this special dozen, let us know! We are beginning to recruit this September. Inquiries at
[email protected].
Fall 2016 Neighborhood Soil Rebuilders Master Composting Training Course in Baltimore: Institute for Local Self-Reliance's Composting for Community Initiative is proud to help support the City of Baltimore's healthy food growing goals by partnering with ECO City Farms, Civic Works' Real Food Farm, Urban Farm Plans and Compost Cab to bring the Neighborhood Soil Rebuilders Master Composting training course to the Baltimore community this fall! Learn more about the program
HERE
.
SMADC Seeking Public Input During Transition
The Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission held a public forum Wednesday evening to seek input from farmers about the future of the organization.
The meeting comes as the commission is going through a state of transition.
In June, the Tri-County Council of Southern Maryland, which oversees SMADC, made a controversial decision to sever ties with Executive Director, Christine Bergmark, who had been with the commission since its inception.
The commission's chairman, Sen. Thomas "Mac" Middleton, said the board was looking forward.
"If you look around Southern Maryland, you'll see agriculture is alive and well. We've transitioned away from tobacco. At our last board meeting, we took a look at where we've been, what our programs are and how we want to move forward," Middleton said in his introduction.
SMADC was established in 2000 to administer the tobacco buyout. Funding comes to the organization through the Maryland legislature from the Cigarette Restitution Fund.
The final payments to farmers who took the buyout were made in 2015.
Read more.
- Jamie Clark Tiralla
The Delmarva Farmer
Find the full list of county farmers markets here.
|
|
Burgers & Brews for the Bay
 Plan to join Clagett Farm for another fun-filled afternoon with friends,
live music, craft-brewed beers, and mouth-watering food created by area chefs using local ingredients at the Chesapeake Bay Foundation's Burgers and Brews for the Bay event.
There's something for the whole family, from hay rides and corn hole games to education and information stations. Live music will be provided in the main tent by the band,
The Fiddle Oaks.
Clagett Farm is a truly sustainable farm where cows and lamb are grass-fed, herbs and vegetables are organically grown, and trees are potted to be used in watershed buffer plantings.
Proceeds from ticket sales support CBF's efforts to defend and protect the Bay, including award-winning educational programs, on-the-ground restoration activities throughout the watershed, and advocacy initiatives at both the federal and state level.
Are you ready for Some Corn Maze Craze?
 This year's corn maze theme at Montpelier Farms is
"Down on the Farm - A Tribute to Farmer Mike Dunn" who passed away in August 2015. Mike was an icon in the Southern MD farming community. Mike's whole being breathed agriculture and he is greatly missed.
The 2016 Fall Festival is now open so plan to spend a day enjoying the corn maze, pumpkin patch, hay rides, GIANT pumpkin pad, and much, MUCH more.
Kicking Off Fall with the Romano's
Open for tastings every:
Friday,
1-6pm
Saturday,
12-6pm 
Special Events:
September 23: 'Witches Night Out' at Middleton Cedar Hill Farm -
Calling all ladies! Join us for a "spell" and enjoy tasting wines from local wineries, learning
about local Southern Maryland farms and businesses, and enjoy the sounds of Car 54!
Looking for a place to host a party?
Our tasting room is a great location for a bridal or baby shower,
rehearsal dinner, birthday party, corporate retreat and any other type of party you can think of!
Contact us
for information on event pricing and availability at [email protected].
For more information, visit their
website
and Facebook
page.
Economic Development Corporation Tours Accokeek Foundation
 Join
EDC President, Jim Coleman, as he meets with Accokeek Foundation staff and tours this farm which is a part of the Mt. Vernon viewshed. Many thanks to Josh Reynolds for sharing the videos!
Just a reminder that the Accokeek Foundation has several great events this month including:
Homeschool Day (September 29)
Homeschoolers will make their own embroidered handkerchiefs to save a tree, calculate calories burned by moving a zig-zag fence, and help conquer food waste by learning the science of food preservation.
Colonial costumes are encouraged. Special fire-building workshop for children over 7 yrs. Beginning promptly at 10 am, this program is a great way to integrate history, environmental science, and physical fitness.
Visit the calendar on the Prince George's County 'Fresh. Local. Fun.' website for information about more local farm and food events!
|
|
FUN.
Sign-up for the Fall 4-H Science Adventures Program!
 Still some spots left! Register today!
Come have an adventure in science with us starting Saturday, October 22, 2016 on the University of Maryland College Park campus.
Please share with 4-H families and friends! Spaces are limited and are filled in the order in which registration form and payment is received, so don't delay!
For more information and to register, visit our
website.
Join UMD Extension at the Fair this Weekend!
The Prince George's County Fair began in 1842 as a friendly gathering for local farmers to showcase their produce and livestock and have a little fun.
We have the distinction of being the oldest running Fair in Maryland!
Though it started out as mostly livestock and field crops, eventually it came to include women's arts as well, with competitions for the best jams, jellies, canned goods, pies, breads, cookies, clothing, quilts, and handicrafts.
Did you know we still hold competitions in all these areas, plus photography, fine-arts, woodworking, basket making, flower arranging, and more?
The Open Class area accepts entries from any of the 5 Southern Maryland Counties and also from our District of Columbia neighbors. There's no charge to enter your work, and the top three winners in each class receive a ribbon and a small monetary award. For more information on specific entry areas, check out the Open Class Entries link located at the top!
For more information, visit our
website.
Growing Quality Pastures to Raise Meats
The Maryland Grazers Network and Chesapeake Bay Foundation in partnership with the University of Maryland Extension and the So
 |
|
|
Click on the image for rainfall simulator video
|
uthern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission (SMADC) held a workshop and pasture walk last week with a focus on producing and managing high quality pastures for cows, sheep and goats, to ensure excellent meat products and enhanced soil conservation.
Around 35 livestock farmers from around the region showed up at Clagett Farm in Upper Marlboro on a warm evening to learn from experts about grazing livestock, particularly on summer forage.
Read more...
- Priscilla Wentworth
Southern Maryland Ag Development Commission
Looking for Urban Farmland in Prince George's?
Prince George's County Council recently passed legislation to
expand urban farming to more zones and to provide tax credits to land owners using their property for urban agriculture. Given the increasing interest in urban farming coupled with the opportunities the new legislation provide, demand for urban farmland in the County is anticipated to increase.
The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission is assessing demand for land for urban agriculture purposes. The below survey will help compile detailed information on urban farmland demand in Prince George's County. Based on the findings, opportunities to address expressed needs will be explored. Therefore, it is critical to answer each question and provide as much information as possible.
Thank you so much for your interest in urban farming in Prince George's County and for filling out this survey.
|
|
| |
|
Prince George's County Fair
September 8 - 11
Equestrian Center
In addition to open competitions and 4-H exhibits, there will be
a carnival with entertainment, many rides, pig races, and more games for both younger and older Fair goers.
For an idea of what you can expect to see at the Fair, check out the
website
.
|
Burgers & Brews for the Bay
Clagett Farm
September 25, 12 - 4pm
Check out the website for the menu, chefs, registration details, and other information.
|
Hyattsville Arts & Ales Festival
September 10
Downtown Hyattsville
130+ Exhibiting Artists,
20 Maryland Breweries,
Live Entertainment, Food Trucks + More!
For more information, visit their
website!
|
SAVE THE DATE!
Celebration of Women
in Business & the Arts
September 17, 11am - 6pm
Marietta House Museum
Shop from Female-Owned Food, Wine & Craft Vendors!
Please join us for a special event, "Celebration of Women in Business & the Arts", on the grounds of historic Marietta House Museum,
Celebrate women of many talents-artists and entrepreneurs.
Shop from female-owned food, wine, and craft vendors. View artists' demonstrations, and enjoy readings, musicians, "Making Moves Dance Collective" dance program, and more. All ages welcome. Enjoy a day of fun, creativity, and artistic vision.
Children's area includes face painting and 19th century games.
|
Enjoy the Flavors of the Forest
prepared by Michael Costa, head chef at Zaytinya
Tour Forested, a 10-acre forest agriculture research site and enjoy interesting foods from the forest!
This unique
forest-to-table event will feature taste inspirations from our local ecosystem.
Try acorn breads, fruits, spices, nuts, mushrooms and vegetables prepared by one of our area's most creative chefs.
Enjoy a close up look at the thriving forest garden ecosystem. Discover the future of sustainable agriculture.
Chef Michael will share some thoughts on creating dishes from forest garden ingredients. Enjoy music from multi-instrumentalists Marty Frye and David McKindley-Ward.
BYOB - if inspired, please bring-your-own wine or beer to share with your table.
- Live music
- Vegetarian and vegan friendly
- Thriving Ecosystem
- Great Company
|
SAVE THE DATE!
Urban Agriculture and the Next Farm Bill
GW University
September 30
The GW Sustainability Collaborative's annual symposium brings together policy makers, academics and practitioners to identify current scientific findings and future research questions in the field of sustainability. This year's conference will focus on the forthcoming 2018 Farm Bill and the potential for the first ever Urban Agriculture Title. The first half of the one-day symposium will center on land-based urban and peri-urban agricultural systems. The second half of the day will focus on non-land based (i.e. hydroponic, roof, vertical) urban and peri-urban farming. The event will be co-hosted by three organizations - AGree, Michigan State University, and the University of the District of Columbia.
Visit their website for more information.
|
Resource Conservation Plan Hearing
County Administration Building
September 27, 7pm
The Preliminary Resource Conservation Plan, which can be viewed
online is complete! A joint Planning Board and District Council public hearing on the preliminary plan has been scheduled for
September 27, 2016 at 7:00 p.m. in the County Administration Building, First Floor Hearing Room, in Upper Marlboro, Maryland.
This countywide functional master plan combines the related elements of green infrastructure planning and agriculture and rural character conservation into one functional master plan in order to streamline the process, meet state requirements for planning elements, and more efficiently update existing plans and maps. For more information on testifying and/or providing comments, please contact
Gül Güleryüz at 301-952-4982 or [email protected].
|
Tea with the Dearly Departed
Montpelier Mansion
October 15, 5pm
Back by popular demand, our Halloween themed tea features ghoulish décor, delicious tea fare, and if you're so inclined, wonderfully scary costumes! Starting at 7:30pm will be another event, called Tales from the Dearly Departed Talk and Tour, with s
toryteller Jane Dorfman sharing seasonally frightening stories, folk tales and legends for Halloween.
Tea goers who stay for this second program will get a discounted price on the "talk and tour."
Reservations and advance payment required.
Visit the website for more information.
|
SAVE THE DATE!
The Crop Hop
October 22
The 2016 Crop Hop cycling tour, co-hosted by St. May's County Division of Tourism, is set for Saturday, October 22nd in
St. Mary's County!
As always, early registration comes with a local lunch, snacks and a commemorative t-shirt. We'll have routes and farms listed by late spring, and registration will be open soon. Watch our
Facebook page and
website for updates and announcements.
|
SAVE THE DATE!
Image of Agriculture Symposium
The Many Faces of Agriculture
November 19
Agriculture is the largest commercial industry in Maryland, supporting more than 350,000 jobs that go way beyond the farm. Join LEAD Maryland Class IX for the third biennial Image of Agriculture Symposium where we explore: The Many Faces of Maryland Agriculture.
Four Conference Tracks:
Track 1: Agricultural Challenges in the 21st Century
Track 2: Traditional & Progressive Agriculture - Is one better?
Track 3: What is agriculture?
Track 4: Opportunities in Agriculture
For more information and tickets, visit their
website.
|
SAVE THE DATE!
Food for Profit Training
November 15
Extension's Food for Profit workshop takes you step by step through the information necessary to
start and run a small food product business. Although appropriate for any food business owners who want to develop their venture proactively, the workshop is especially directed to individuals who will be making and packing their products for resale (through grocery stores, open-air markets, or restaurants).
Food for Profit is a very practical session, providing information that you will be able to use immediately to ensure that your business starts out and grows in a way that matches your vision and goals.
Stay tuned for details!
|
MDA's Produce Seasonality Charts
|
 Contact Us!
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,
Looking to start a farmers market or farm? Visit our Ag Marketing
page for resources.
|
|
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
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.
|
|
|
| |
|
