You might notice something new on your drive through Southern Maryland in the next few weeks – Southern Maryland Meats farm signs have arrived!
The Southern Maryland Meats (SMM), a marketing program of the Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission, is ramping up promotional efforts to increase consumer recognition for the marketing program’s branding logo and shining the spotlight on the individual farm producers that participate in the SMM program.
Starting July 1, 2019, all 51 Southern Maryland Meats producers around the region, will receive a specially designed farm sign and adhesive labels for their meat products, all displaying the SMM logo and legend – “Southern Maryland Meats Proudly Produced Here.”
A first for the SMM program, the promotional sign was developed for high visibility in-ground use at the entrance to farm driveways, and at farm stores/stands, vendor booths at farmers’ markets and other sales venues. The sturdy double-sided metal signs with their bright yellow and red color scheme are bound to attract attention as they adorn the roadside of participating farms. Similarly, the corresponding Southern Maryland Meats label reinforces the branding identity on meat packages at point of sale with “Proud Producer & Member” .
“When you see the sign, you’ll know that the featured farm is selling local, humanely raised, quality meat, and is a certified member of the Southern Maryland Meats program,” said Craig Sewell, SMM Marketing and Livestock Manager. “We are intent on building a brand that identifies with the area’s rich farming legacy and with the producers who are bringing top-quality regional meats to your table.”
To coincide with the sign/label campaign SMM launched a new consumer resource, the Southern Maryland Meat and Seafood Guide that promotes the region’s meat and seafood producers. To emphasize brand recognition in the marketplace, both the in-print and the online digital versions identify SMM farm listings with the SMM logo.
To find a Southern Maryland Meats farmer, farm, farm stand or farmers market, and other meat producer farms in the five county area, or to view the Southern Maryland Meat and Seafood Guide – visit www.SouthernmarylandMeats.com.
SMM signs, labels and the Southern Maryland Meat and Seafood guide are made possible in part by a Rural Maryland Prosperity Investment Fund Grant (RMPIF) awarded to SMADC, a division of the Tri-County Council for Southern Maryland.
View the SMM Meat Label HERE
View the Southern Maryland Meat and Seafood Guide HERE
###The Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission (SMADC), a division of the Tri-County Council for Southern Maryland, is committed to: a) a market-driven and sustainable farming future as Maryland transitions away from tobacco. b) a Maryland where farmland preservation, and environmental stewardship positively impact the quality of our air and water and c) cultivating awareness among consumers and leaders of the vital role our farms play in a balanced community, safe, nutritious food and a cleaner and healthier environment. To learn more about additional programs and resources, contact SMADC, P. O. Box 745, Hughesville, MD 20637; phone: 301-274-1922, Ex. 1, fax: 301-274-1924; email info@smadc.com ; or visit www.smadc.com.