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Could the computer replace the roadside farmer’s stand? Some tech savvy farmers are letting clicks sell their produce! A new, free online service from the University of Maryland allows consumers to buy the freshest food Maryland farms have to offer with just a click. FoodTrader.org is a virtual farmer's market that lets small independent Maryland farms create an instantaneous listing of the fresh foods they have to sell, the price and the location. Since going live in mid July, listings from more than 20 farms have included specialty cuts of meat, all types of fruits and vegetables, flowers, honey, dairy products and even soap made from goat's milk.
The new Website is available free to any consumer, Maryland business or institution. The Maryland Restaurant Association is one of the early organizations cooperating.
At a time when rising fuel prices are making the long distance transportation of food more expensive and amid growing concern about the vehicle emissions that contribute to climate change, "buy local" programs have suddenly become more popular. More consumers are thinking green and want to eat fresh and eat local.
“Buying directly from Maryland farms just makes good economic sense," says Gerrit Knaap, director of the National Center for Smart Growth. "We have some of the best quality food you could ever want to eat right here in Maryland."
One important aspect of the FoodTrader.org Website is that it includes a category for charities. Farmers can receive tax deductions for donations that they make to the Maryland Foodbank. Consumers can also make a food pantry donation and receive a deduction.
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