After reading this item, take a "keyboard trip" to the new AgTrader Exchange network at www.agtrader.org. It was developed by the Environmental Finance Center at University of Maryland to help farmers throughout the Chesapeake Bay region exchange products such as manure, compost, hay, fodder crops, fruits and vegetables, organics, equipment, livestock and more.

"It's like a 'Craig's List' for agriculture," explains Joanne Throwe, assistant director of the Environmental Finance Center, part of the National Center for Smart Growth Research and Education. "AgTrader also will help farmers transport manure from those who have it to those who need it."

Maryland Secretary of Agriculture Roger Richardson welcomes the site: "The AgTrader site is a novel idea with potential to help farmers keep costs down and complement (Maryland Department of Agriculture's) manure matching service and our "Maryland's Best" ag products Web site."

How it works

All trades (purchases, sales and swaps) through the Web site are strictly between buyer and seller. You register first, then post products anytime, without having to fill out forms. Pricing and delivery are left up to buyer and seller to work out.

"This marketplace assists farmers with an easy way to reach people who want their products? It's good for the environment and may help out the smaller farms throughout the Chesapeake Bay region," says Throwe.

The site also features a directory for businesses and a resource section showing a calendar of events and important news for the Chesapeake Bay ag community.

Agtrader.org is a secured Web site that'll be monitored and maintained by Environmental Finance Center staff. All information is kept private.