March 20th, 2020 by WCBC Radio

The Maryland Department of Agriculture said Thursday that farmers markets should continue to operate throughout the state of emergency, according to a released statement.

Agriculture officials said the department considers farmers markets essential businesses and an important resource for many residents.

“Farmers markets play a critical role in providing fresh, nutritious and locally-produced food products to customers across the state—especially those Marylanders who live in food deserts and those who rely on SNAP benefits to access fresh produce,” Maryland Department of Agriculture Secretary Joe Bartenfelder said in a statement. “It is important that we keep that supply line open while making sure we implement the same preventative measures used in grocery stores and other essential retail businesses.”

While farmers markets stay open, the businesses are urged to take proper hygiene and social distancing measures to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.