Country Thyme Farm Market was a summer-time staple on River Road in Bethesda, MD for 10 years.  Licensed by Montgomery County, it supplied the community with fresh local produce daily.  2 years ago, it received an eviction letter from the Maryland State Highway Administration (MDSHA). After countless efforts to return to its well-known site, Country Thyme remains obstructed by the MDSHA.

Coincidently, Neil Pederson, who headed the MDSHA for 8 years, has suddenly retired one day before a scathing report that the agency is being audited for multiple violations of ethics laws and the agencies own rules.

Sadly, not only has this stopped the supply of local farm produce to the community, it has severely damaged the operation of Country Thyme. A well loved, small business that was grown and nurtured for 10 years by a dedicated local farmer, Jonathan Sadd.

Governor Martin O’Malley is supporting the Buy Local Challenge, launched by Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission (SMADC) to highlight the benefits of buying local farm produce to Maryland's economy and environment. We think as well that he should be joining the fight to allow Country Thyme back to its existing River Road site.

You, the community, can help today by signing this petition and sending a letter. Tell Governor Martin O’Malley, Maryland Secretary of Transportation Beverly Swaim-Staley, Acting Administrator MDSHA Darrell Mobley, and First Lady Michelle Obama that you think Country Thyme has been unfairly treated and you want them brought back to their River Road location.

Support Country Thyme Farm Market!