As the days grow longer and the growing season hits its stride, it’s a key time for Charles County’s agribusinesses. With fresh products in season and farms opening their gates to the public, it’s a great moment to connect with and support local agriculture.
Farmers throughout the county are embracing this seasonal momentum—and the growing “buy local” movement—by opening farm stands, launching CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) programs, and participating in farmers markets. These efforts make it easier for residents to access fresh, local food and build direct connections with the farmers who grow it.
Beyond convenience, supporting local farmers goes deeper than a feel-good action; it’s a smart way to promote healthier living, strengthen community ties, and boost the local economy. Whether it is fresh produce from a farmers market or picking up a CSA box from a nearby farm, participation in the “buy local” movement makes a difference. Here are just a few reasons why buying local matters:
1. Healthy Food Options Close to Home
Charles County farms offer a wide variety of locally produced goods. When visiting a local farmers market, shoppers can find everything from fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs, and honey to eggs, meat, dairy, and a range of value-added products like jams, jellies, pickled vegetables, sourdough bread, and baked goods.
“When food is grown and consumed in the same area, it’s not just convenient, but it is healthier too,” shares Sydney Garner, EDD’s Agriculture and Rural Development Manager. “You’re getting fresh products at their peak, without losing the nutrients that can diminish during long storage or transportation.”
Charles County is also home to a few GAP (Good Agricultural Practices) Certified farms, which means they are recognized for meeting food safety and quality standards throughout the entire agricultural process, from farm to fork. In addition, the county boasts a number of organic farms, offering health-conscious consumers greater transparency and assurance in the quality of their food. Even farms using traditional growing methods uphold high standards and are open about their practices, fostering trust and accountability within the community.
2. Keeping Spending Local
Spending money at local farmers markets, food trucks, or farm stands directly supports Charles County’s economy. Many of the businesses found at these markets, including bakeries, cottage food businesses, and specialty producers, are owned and operated by Charles County residents. This local support helps small businesses grow and strengthens the community as a whole.
“A great example is Hancock Family Farms,” says Garner. “The owners started by selling goods at farmers markets and eventually grew enough to open a brick-and-mortar store.”
Another way to support and connect with local farms is through a CSA program that allows residents to take advantage of farm-run subscription services and receive a weekly or monthly box filled with fresh, seasonal produce. In addition to supplying households with healthy, locally grown food, CSA programs help ensure farmers receive a reliable income throughout the growing season.
3. Knowing Where Your Food Comes From
Buying local creates more than just an economic impact; it also strengthens relationships within the Charles County community. Building connections with local farmers fosters greater transparency and trust in the food supply. Buying local gives consumers a chance to ask questions, learn how produce was grown, and even make special requests.
“The great thing about getting to know your local farmers is that they really listen,” Garner adds. “If there’s something they don’t grow or carry, they’re usually more than happy to look into it or find a way to help you get what you need.”
Charles County’s agribusinesses continue to grow in size, expand their offerings, and strengthen their sense of community. With the growing season limited to the months between spring and fall, it is especially important to support local farms during this time. Click to learn more about Charles County’s farmers markets and farm stores, and discover fresh, homegrown products throughout the spring and summer.
