Published: August 06, 2008 10:31 am         

Farm-fresh produce in Maryland is a click away

SALISBURY (AP) - In an effort to support local farming, the Maryland Department of Agriculture has released an Internet database that lists the locations and specialties of farmers markets and stores in the state.

The database has more than 600 entries and allows users to search by location, product specialty or business type and has already begun to escalate sales of farmers markets in the area.

The database is expected to increase tourist interest in locally produced foods, and farmers hope to benefit from those passing through the areas near farms on their way to a vacation.

"I think (the database) will really accelerate business because a lot of tourists go online now to find different attractions in the areas that they're traveling to," said Connie Oakley, manager of Oakley's Farm Market. "Some people even plan their vacations using the Internet and a lot of them are interested in locating local produce and places that they can eat."

The database also includes stores and dairies that make their own ice cream, an added attraction to tourists traveling through the area or locals looking for something new.

For more information, visit the Web site at www.mda.state.md.us/.