Poppiti returns as Delaware Farm Bureau executive director
The Delaware Farm Bureau announced Joseph G. Poppiti has returned to a leadership role as its executive director under President William “Bill” Powers and the state board of directors. He started his career at the Delaware Farm Bureau in November 2018.
During his time away from DEFB, Poppiti worked at the Delaware Center for Horticulture and became a regional organization director for the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau. He assisted county farm bureau leaders in Berks, Bucks, Chester-Delaware, Lebanon, Lehigh, Montgomery and Northampton-Monroe counties in developing and implementing programs that help maintain strong, effective organizations that met their county needs. He also helped promote the philosophy, policies and programs of the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau and American Farm Bureau Federation.
Poppiti grew up in Wilmington, but spent much of this time on his family’s mushroom farm in Kennett Square, Pa. He went on to study horticulture and mushroom science at Pennsylvania State University. His employment in mushroom farming allowed him to experience and visit mushroom farms throughout the United States and the world. He also held many board positions at the American Mushroom Institute, a U.S. national mushroom farmer trade organization, and held the position of chair for three terms.
Excited about his return to the Delaware Farm Bureau, Poppiti said, “I’m thrilled to be back and am looking forward to helping this strong organization continue to grow and flourish.”
Poppiti hopes to use his extensive background in farm bureau organization, and local, national and global agriculture to continue the mission and vision of the board of directors to represent and support the farming community in Delaware. His goals include enhancing membership value, expanding opportunities and resources for farmers, and advocating for the protection and preservation of agriculture.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Joseph back to DEFB," said Powers. "The valuable experience he’s gained at the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau will strengthen his leadership here at Delaware Farm Bureau. We look forward to the ideas and momentum he’ll bring as he steps back into this role."
