Explore Local Flavor: Montgomery County Farm Tour Highlights Fresh Produce Amid National Parasite Concerns

In light of recent concerns surrounding a nationwide outbreak of foodborne parasites, Maryland’s largest county is excited to highlight its local farms, orchards, and agricultural enterprises, inviting the community to explore where their fresh produce originates.

This self-guided tour presents a wonderful opportunity for residents and visitors alike to enjoy a variety of offerings. Attendees will find fresh fruits and vegetables, farm-raised meats, vibrant flowers, and artisanal beverages, while also having the chance to engage with friendly farm animals. Participating farms will host several entertaining activities, including goat milking, butter churning, hayrides, pony rides, and tractor rides.

New to the tour this year are three exciting locations: Brookeville Beer Farm, East Oaks Farm, and Song Dog Farm Distillery, the latter being the county’s latest addition in the craft beverage arena.

Among the participating farms, eight will provide tastings of craft beverages, while five will feature florist offerings, and seven will host farm markets selling fresh produce alongside other locally-made products.

“The Farm Tour and Harvest Sale provides an excellent opportunity for our community to engage directly with local agriculture and appreciate the vital role it plays in Montgomery County,” said County Executive Marc Elrich.

According to county data, there are over 580 farms and 350 horticultural businesses operating within the Agricultural Reserve, contributing more than $280 million to the local economy.

Nineteen farms on the tour will be open throughout both Saturday and Sunday, while seven will operate exclusively on Saturday. Specific hours may vary by location, and some farms might charge for entry or specific activities.

Visitors have the flexibility to explore just one farm or enjoy a full weekend of discoveries across multiple sites. For detailed information about hours of operation, costs, planned activities, and any reservation needs, attendees are encouraged to visit the 2026 Farm Tour website beforehand.

It’s important to note that pets are not permitted on the tour, with the exception of service animals.

This year’s farm tour arrives at a time when shoppers are increasingly mindful about the sources of their fresh produce, following a rise in cases associated with the cyclospora parasite.

As of July 14, Maryland health officials confirmed 69 cases of cyclosporiasis, although a common source has not yet been identified within the state.

On a broader scale, federal investigators have linked a significant five-state outbreak to shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell locations in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia. As of July 16, this outbreak has resulted in 1,644 reported illnesses and 94 hospitalizations, with no fatalities recorded. These figures represent just a fraction of the cyclospora cases currently under investigation across the nation.