Keeping Farmers Farming

WHAT:  1000 Friends of Maryland will launch its newest program focused on “Keeping Farmers Farming,” at the September 24th For the Love of the Farm event.  The new program will strengthen agriculture in Maryland.  This effort will include:

• Promoting the importance of agriculture to Maryland's economy and heritage, and ensuring healthy local foods for our communities
• Ensuring adequate land conservation funding and supportive regulations and zoning.
• Advancing policies for transition and succession so that current farmers, and new farmers, can afford to stay on the land.

This year 1000 Friend’s annual fundraiser, traditionally an urban affair showcasing key redevelopment projects, becomes a causal evening on the farm.  A short set of speakers will review the difficulties local farmers face, and the program goals of “Keep Farmers Farming.” The menu, prepared by Feast @ Four East, will highlight home-grown foods by three local farmers; desert provided by Kilby Cream. Music will be provided by a surprise Baltimore artist. 

WHEN:   September 24th, 2009, 5-8 PM

WHERE: Green Spring Valley Hounds, 13920 Mantua Mill Road, Reisterstown 21136

WHO:  Dru Schmidt-Perkins, Executive Director; Jim Lyons, Chairman of Board; Kelly Carneal, Director of Rural Lands; Jim Baird, America Farmland Trust; Phyllis Kilby, Kilby Cream; Nathan Stambaugh, Gunpowder Bison; Joan and Drew Norman, One Straw Farm; David Smith, Springfield Farms; Klaus Philipsen, Philipsen Architects

VISUALS:

• Festive evening affair on the grounds of the Green Spring Valley Hounds, a preserved 168 acre farm, with a historic manor as a backdrop
• Attendees casually attired, mixing and mingling to the sounds of a popular local musician, while enjoying local food, beer and wine
• Maryland Farmers and delectable creations made from their products, with posters detailing the ways the public can support their businesses
• Table top decorations from local farms

DIRECTIONS:

• 695 to exit 22 Greenspring Avenue
• Go North on Greenspring for 7.8 miles
• Turn right on Tufton – This turn is at the beautiful Belmont Farm
• Stay on Tufton for about two miles
• Tufton will take a sharp turn to the left then a sharp turn to the right.
• At sharp turns take a left on to Manuta Mill Road
• Follow to Green Spring Valley Hounds.  The turn will be marked with event sign.
• Follow signs for parking and join us under the tent!