In 1997, just a decade earlier, there were 369 farms that averaged 112 acres and accounted for 41,000 acres or one fourth of the county's total acreage, she said.
"There used to be a clash between agricultural areas and suburban-urban areas," she said. "Now there's a great symbiotic relationship developing between the two."
Aside from showcasing the film, the "Feastival" will also serve to kick off the county's annual "Farm2Table" Restaurant Weeks, slated for July 26 to August 8, in which local eateries highlight menus that incorporate the area's freshest ingredients.
"Buying local is a movement that is becoming more mainstream," Lothen-Kline said. "But like any behavior change it will take time."
If you go
What: Howard County Film Feastival
When: July 20, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: Clark's Elioak Farm, 10500 Clarksville Pike, Ellicott City.
Cost: Admission is free, though a $5 donation will help support 2,000 county families being served by the Women, Infant and Children's program by providing coupons redeemable at local farmers' markets. Registration is required and limited to 100 guests; about 50 spots remain.
Information: Contact the University of Maryland's Howard County extension office at 410-313-2707. For information on the five farmers' markets, go to howardcountyag.org.
