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NEWS RELEASE

July 22, 2009

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Howard County Agritourism Map Unveiled

Howard County Restaurant Weeks Kick Off with Local Flavor at Larriland Farm

ELLICOTT CITY, MD –Howard County Executive Ken Ulman, along with representatives from Howard County Tourism & Promotion and the agricultural community, today kicked off Howard County’s Summer Restaurant Weeks, at Larriland Farms. Hosted by Howard County Tourism & Promotion, Summer Restaurant Weeks, July 27 – August 9, is an opportunity to recognize the importance of using locally grown, harvested or produced items in restaurant menus.

“It is great to know where our food comes from, even when we are dining out,” said Executive Ulman. “This year’s Restaurant Weeks partner local farms with local independent restaurants for menus with selections that feature local produce, herbs, meat, eggs, seafood. What a great way to support our local economy.”

During the Summer 2009 Restaurant Weeks, July 27 to August 9, Howard County’s finest restaurants will be serving up savings and locally grown products to help your budget and the environment. With 25 participating restaurants, residents and out-of-town guests will appreciate a chance to visit their favorite restaurants and discover new ones, enjoy great prices, all while they are supporting local farmers and wineries.

Joe Barbera of AIDA Bistro & Wine Bar believes in buying and eating local. “Supporting local markets and farms is just good business. Our small business needs local support to operate and grow, “ said Barbera “Our customers like to support local farmers, so this is a win-win for everyone involved,” said Barbera.

Barbera and his family have picked their own fresh produce at Larriland Farm for over four years. After realizing it takes over 1,200 miles for produce to travel to its destination, Barbera began searching for local fresh produce in the area. Four years ago, he began a business relationship with the Moores from Larriland Farm in Woodbine. “Now, our customers have become accustomed to eating local produce during the season and are beginning to ask us when we will have the product incorporated into our menu.”

Diners will be able to enjoy other locally grown foods from the Howard County agricultural community, such as Woodcamp Farm’s Black Angus hamburger served at Bistro Blanc in Glenelg, or special menu items from produce bought fresh from local farmers’ markets. For more information about Howard County’s Restaurant Weeks, please visit the Tourism website, www.VisitHowardCounty.com and go to the “Savor It” Restaurant Week link.

The Howard County Agricultural Marketing Program also unveiled the Howard County Agritourism Map featuring 25 agritourism sites within the County. The map invites families to “explore the diversity” of agriculture within Howard County, from picking their own fruit and vegetables at Larriland Farm, to visiting Sharp’s at Waterford Farm, buying locally from farmers’ markets and on-farm stands.

For more information about how to obtain a copy of the Howard County Agritourism Map, please contact Kathy Zimmerman at kzimmerman@hceda.org or 410-313-6500.