Farmers' Markets Her Specialty

SALARY: $46,000

AGE: 29

TIME ON THE JOB: 6 months

How she got started: : Amy Crone graduated from Cornell University with a degree in government and Latin-American relations. She went on to earn a graduate degree from American University in international development.

Most recently she worked as a research and policy analyst for the Center for Global Development, a nonprofit think tank in Washington. She researched ways to administer foreign assistance to developing nations. During her off hours, she managed the FRESHFARM Market in Annapolis.

She took the job with the Maryland Department of Agriculture in January because it melded her love of agriculture and farmers' markets with her interest in aiding those less fortunate.

"I can still help people," Crone said. "I look at this switch not so much as a major change, just helping people on a more local level."

Typical day: : Crone is part of the eight-person marketing team of the Maryland Department of Agriculture. Her focus is overseeing the farmers' markets throughout the state, with the primary task of managing the Farmers' Market Nutrition Program. The federally funded program distributes voucher coupons to Women, Infants and Children participants and income-eligible senior participants to buy fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs at farmers' markets.

This year, more than 150,000 people in Maryland received vouchers through the program and 280 farmers signed up to accept them.

Her work includes certifying and training the market managers and farmers who participate, and answering any questions.

She also produces directories that include time, dates and locations of the state's markets.

In the off-season when most markets are closed, Crone focuses on crunching numbers and collecting statistics for the program's annual report.

She also organizes an annual farmers' market conference held in late winter to prepare for the coming season. This includes a review of the rules and regulations, an overview of the marketing initiatives planned by the state and training for the voucher program.

Visiting the markets: : There are about 100 farmers' markets in Maryland, and Crone will visit as many as possible this year to ensure farmers and managers have what they need and to answer questions. So far, she's been to more than 20.

Growing numbers: : Crone is also on hand to help new markets get up and running. "I think markets are becoming cornerstones of communities," Crone said. "I don't see them going away."

The good: : "I enjoy getting out and about and meeting people," Crone said, adding that she looks forward to visiting markets in all areas of the state. "Every market has a different personality. I'm actually learning a lot about Maryland."

The bad: : There are specific requirements that participants - both those who receive the vouchers and those who accept them - must meet. Telling people they aren't eligible for the program is difficult, she said.

Philosophy on the job: : "To be as helpful as I can to all the different constituents."