Farmers markets highlighted during Delaware Local Produce Week

In recognition of Delaware Local Produce Week 2016, the Delaware Department of Agriculture organized a farmers market event July 13 in Georgetown to highlight the role farmers markets can play in facilitating a better economy and healthier eating habits.

State officials toured the Georgetown Farmers Market with Market Manager Christel Folke. The seasonal market, which has been in operation for seven years, features local vendors from Dover to Seaford. It is held on Wednesday afternoons between 3 and 6 p.m. on the grounds of the 16 Mile Brewery.

“We were very excited to put this effort together, to bring our local farmers together and to represent the rural community,” said Georgetown Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Karen Duffield regarding the Georgetown Farmers Market. “We wanted to be able to put on display all of the wonderful, fresh produce that our farmers grow every year.”

DDA Deputy Secretary Austin Short shared his remarks at the event. “We are increasingly seeing more and more farms selling produce – either directly to consumers, through farm stands and farmers markets, and through grocery stores,” said Short.  “Delaware residents are driving this trend – becoming more and more interested in where their food comes from. They want that connection with their neighbors and nearby farms, and seek out fresh, local produce when it’s available.”

The event in Georgetown served as the conclusion of Delaware Local Produce Week. On July 11, Gov. Jack Markell and farm officials gathered at a New Castle County supermarket to celebrate growth in local produce sales. In addition, an event at Fifer Orchards in Camden July 12 was held to discuss how Delawareans can access fresh produce through you pick farm operations and Community Supported Agriculture. In a CSA program, shareholders are provided with boxes of fresh produce and farm products at regular intervals during peak growing seasons.

A partnership between the Delaware General Assembly and the DDA, the events were held to facilitate a closer relationship between Delaware consumers and farmers, inspire healthier eating habits and benefit the state’s environment and economy.

State Rep. Lyndon Yearick , R-Dover South, founded Delaware Local Produce Week last year, continuing it this year with his sponsorship of House Concurrent Resolution 96, which passed the General Assembly with unanimous support.