Markell recognizes leadership, service of Delaware agriculture leaders
Gov. Jack A. Markell has recognized and thanked many of Delaware's farming and agricultural leaders as his administration comes to a close, including the awarding of the Order of the First State to two noted public servants.
Bob Garey, a Felton-area farmer who chairs the Delaware Agricultural Lands Preservation Foundation, and Bill Vanderwende, a Bridgeville-area farmer who chairs the Delaware Nutrient Management Commission, were both recently surprised with the Order of the First State, the highest honor a Delaware governor can bestow for meritorious service to the First State. Both men have served since the creation of the foundation and the commission, and are noted for their leadership and commitment to advancing agriculture.
"I am proud and pleased to know Bob Garey and Bill Vanderwende, and to call them friends. Their courage and hard work have led to improvements in agriculture and to a better quality of life for residents in the First State," Markell said. "They have been dedicated to moving Delaware forward."
Markell and Secretary of Agriculture Ed Kee have also recently presented tributes from the Markell administration to the members of the Delaware Agricultural Lands Preservation Foundation, the Delaware Nutrient Management Commission, the Delaware Thoroughbred Racing Commission and the Delaware Harness Racing Commission. Together, they help promote, strengthen and regulate important sectors of Delaware's agricultural industry, made up of 2,400 family farms with an $8 billion economic impact.
