Governor's Buy Local Cookout

The Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) is excited to announce the 2024 Governor’s Buy Local Cookout. This annual cookout celebrates Maryland agriculture by featuring Maryland restaurants partnering with Maryland farmers and watermen to showcase products like wild-caught Chesapeake blue catfish, oysters, pork, beef, sweet corn, watermelon, and more! Last year’s cookout saw approximately 500 attendees, including Maryland elected officials, ag industry stakeholders, community leaders, non-profit organizations, and of course, our farmers and seafood producers!

MDA is seeking chefs and restaurants to participate in the Cookout. Chefs from across the state are encouraged to submit recipes using Maryland food items and work with at least one Maryland farm or waterman. Recipes will be chosen in each of the following categories: appetizer, main dish, side dish or salad, and dessert. Original recipes will be selected based on simplicity, creativity, availability of ingredients, geographic representation, and maximum use of local ingredients (minimum 50% use of local ingredients is required). The following outlines how to apply as well as a timeline for due dates. Please ensure you also review the guidelines below and can adhere to the policies before applying.

Culinary high school and college teams are also encouraged to submit recipes. Student teams submitting poultry recipes may be eligible to receive a donation of poultry from a member of the Delmarva Chicken Association if they are selected to participate in the Governor’s cookout (limited to one high school and one college team).