Maryland Chefs Encouraged to Submit Recipes for Governor Moore’s ‘Buy Local’ Cookout
The Maryland Department of Agriculture has officially set the stage for its annual culinary showcase, announcing that the 2026 Governor’s Buy Local Cookout will take place on Friday, July 17, 2026, in Annapolis. This high-profile event serves as a platform to highlight the synergy between the state’s agricultural roots and its professional culinary community.
The cookout is designed to bring together a diverse assembly of Maryland elected officials, industry stakeholders, community leaders, and non-profit organizations. By pairing local chefs with farmers and watermen, the event aims to spotlight signature Maryland products, ranging from wild-caught Chesapeake blue catfish and oysters to beef, sweet corn, and watermelon.
A Call for Culinary Collaboration
The Department of Agriculture is currently seeking teams comprised of farmers or watermen and professionally trained chefs to participate in the cookout. The selection process is rigorous, with entries judged on criteria such as simplicity, creativity, ingredient availability, geographic representation, and the effective use of local goods.
Selected teams will be invited to prepare and share dishes across four categories: appetizer, main dish, side dish or salad, and dessert. To assist with the costs of participation, the department will provide a $200 stipend to selected teams, with additional support potentially available for qualified culinary high school and college teams.
What Happens Next
With the submission deadline set for June 2, 2026, the coming months will likely see a flurry of recipe development across Maryland’s professional kitchens and agricultural operations. As teams refine their menus, the event is expected to serve as a bellwether for local food trends.
Following the selection process, the public and industry observers may see an increased emphasis on the versatility of regional staples like Chesapeake blue catfish. Prospective participants are encouraged to review the full rules on the Maryland’s Best website before submitting their applications via the required online form.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible to participate in the cookout?
The Department is looking for teams consisting of a farmer or waterman paired with a chef, defined as a person with professional culinary training.
What are the requirements for the recipes submitted?
Recipes must be original, yield four to eight servings, and contain at least 50% locally sourced ingredients. Previously submitted recipes are not eligible.
How can interested parties get more information?
Detailed rules and entry information are available on the Maryland’s Best website, and specific questions can be directed to Director of Special Projects Kristin Hanna at [email protected].
Which local Maryland ingredient would you be most excited to see featured in a creative, chef-prepared dish?