Almost 85 percent of tobacco growers in Southern Maryland have agreed to stop raising the crop under the state's five-year-old buyout program, according to a regional study.</NITF>
<NITF>The report, prepared by the Tri-County Council for Southern Maryland, said 854 tobacco farmers in the area had enrolled in the buyout program as of January 2005. That means 7.65 million pounds, or 92 percent, of tobacco eligible for the buyout have been taken out of production.</NITF>
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<NITF>"We're trying to change a system that has been in place for centuries," said Christine Bergmark, the director of agricultural development for the Tri-County Council. "That posed a big challenge for us."</NITF>
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Bergmark said the council is trying new approaches -- such as encouraging agri-tourism and launching a marketing campaign for farm products -- to preserve Southern Maryland's agricultural heritage. After the buyout program began, she said, it became clear that farmers needed options to replace tobacco.
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One of the main focuses of the Tri-County Council is a marketing campaign -- known as So. Maryland, So Good -- to promote agricultural products and activities. The campaign publishes a directory that listed 168 farms in June 2005; 28 farms applied to be listed last year.</NITF>
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Bergmark said there has been a spike in interest in tourism on farms. More than 120 people attended workshops on agri-tourism in February. And on Oct. 8 the group plans to launch Southern Maryland Trails, which will include routes that highlight farm activities and arts experiences.
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Bergmark said state funds were used to help preserve more than 2,138 acres of farmland last year in Southern Maryland, which she defines as Anne Arundel, Calvert, Charles, Prince George's and St. Mary's counties. Over the past five years, 14,783 acres -- including 91 farms -- have been placed in programs protecting the land from development.</NITF></NITF></NITF>
Lots more good info in the article.Toxick Shock Syndrome (TSS), I had no idea one could die from using a tampon.
I guess you're too young to remember the TSS outcry about 30 years ago. Yes, almost anything CAN kill you. 
Thank you, Mr. Gasm. 
Oh, you don't forget ANYTHING do you, grasshopper? 
lol
