Queenstown, Maryland (July 30, 2020) – The Maryland Grain Producers teamed up with Maryland Farm Bureau and Delmarva Poultry Industry to remind our members, consumers, legislators, and all others how “local” the chicken in your grocery store is.

Maryland farm families produce local, safe, and affordable food for Marylanders. Grain producers across the state work hard to grow the 427,000 bushels of wheat and 89 million bushels of corn used annually to feed chickens on the Delmarva peninsula. The family farmers, poultry companies, and allied businesses that make up DPI’s 1,700 members work tirelessly to provide a high quality protein source to consumers.

Annually, Delmarva’s $3.5 billion poultry industry produces 4.3 billion pounds of chicken on the Delmarva. Chicken is a strong source of protein, providing all nine essential amino acids, magnesium, potassium, iron, and vitamins A, D, E, and C. You can buy local chicken at any grocery store in Delaware, Maryland, or Virginia.

When the coronavirus pandemic began, farmers across the Delmarva and the nation were #StillFarming to ensure that you would be able to eat, not only during the pandemic but for years to come. The corn planted in May 2020, during the stay-at-home order, will be used for chicken feed in 2021.

If you would be interested in sharing our Local Campaign through a 18″ by 24″ sign or a 3″ by 4″ window cling, complete this online form!

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Maryland Grain Producers Association is a membership organization of grain producers across the state. The organization’s major role is to act as a voice for grain farmers, mostly through its legislative activities both at the state, and federal level. Members stay informed through a bi-weekly newsletter, social media, and the Maryland Commodity Classic. Learn more about the organization here.

Maryland Farm Bureau is the voice of Maryland’s rural and agricultural communities. We promote and protect Maryland agriculture and rural life with the support of our passionate membership, ensuring the future of our natural resources, food supply, and rural heritage that are all part of what makes Maryland our home. Learn more about the organization here.

Delmarva Poultry Industry, Inc. is the Delmarva chicken industry’s voice as the premier membership association focusing on advocacy, education, and member relations. For more information, visit dpichicken.org; like DPI on Facebook; and follow us on Twitter.

Press release respectively submitted by Jenell Eck, Programs and Public Relations Director for the Maryland Grain Producers.