In a significant step toward enhancing the local agriculture economy, the Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission (SMADC), part of the Tri-County Council for Southern Maryland, recently announced the launch of a new website for their Southern Maryland Meats (SMM) Program. This initiative aims to not only promote but also create new opportunities for over 60 member farms by connecting them with consumers and supply chain managers.
The revamped website, SouthernMarylandMeats.com, serves as a digital platform to feature the growing SMM Directory of Member Producers alongside the upcoming services of the Regional Agriculture Center, including meat processing and sales resources tailored for regional livestock producers. This upgrade from the 2015 version of the site introduces a series of enhancements designed to support the expansion of the SMM Producer Directory, the Junior SMM Program, and integrates advanced software and database management capabilities critical for the operations of the Regional Agriculture Center (RAC).
Craig Sewell, the SMM Program Manager, emphasized the commitment to the program's growth, stating, "With an eye towards future growth of the SMM program, we are committed to offering enhanced branding and service to our members." He outlined the vision for the site to evolve into a comprehensive database-driven platform facilitating vendor connections, ordering, aggregating, custom labeling, financial reporting, and more.
The newly designed site also debuts a refreshed logo and aims to strengthen the local economy by offering numerous opportunities for its member farms and other regional meat producers. It introduces an innovative way for consumers to discover locally raised meats through searchable criteria such as product/meat type, county, farm name, and 'Lex-Icons'—a unique visual language of symbols designed to help users find meats that align with their specific needs and preferences.
Furthermore, comprehensive SMM Member profiles offer detailed descriptions of each farm's raising practices, contact information, and purchasing options, providing a transparent window into the source of their meat products. The website also stands as a resource for area livestock farmers, offering insights into meat production, starting a livestock business, and information on grants, financing opportunities, and marketing materials.
For additional details about the Southern Maryland Meats Program, its mission, standards, and membership information, interested parties are encouraged to visit the new website at www.southernmarylandmeats.com.
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