U.S. Rep McBride hosts agriculture summit in Harrington

Congresswoman Sarah McBride, D-Del., hosted an inaugural agriculture summit Feb. 19 in Harrington.

Delaware farmers, industry leaders, community partners and stakeholders came together for a wide-ranging discussion on investing in the First State’s farmers and boosting the ag economy.

Attendees were able to share feedback that will inform McBride’s work in Washington, D.C., as Congress considers the next Farm Bill reauthorization and other legislation impacting rural communities.

“Agriculture is the backbone of Delaware’s economy, and we need to do all we can to ensure it isn’t just supported, but strengthened,” said McBride. “As Congress works toward reauthorizing the Farm Bill, it’s critical that Delaware farmers have a seat at the table. Today’s summit was about listening directly to the voices of the Delawareans who know this industry, its challenges and best practices.”

Agriculture is foundational to Delaware’s economy and remains the state’s leading industry, supporting thousands of jobs and contributing significantly to the state’s economic vitality. The discussion focused on a range of priorities including the reauthorization of the Farm Bill, strategies to boost Delaware’s agricultural economy and policies to support the next generation of farmers. Attendees highlighted economic pressures including inflation, overproduction in grain markets, tariffs, and rising input costs including fertilizer and insurance.

Workforce challenges were also an area of concern. Farmers cited labor shortages and the need to invigorate vocational training and agricultural education pipelines. Participants also touched on the impact of environmental issues, specifically extreme weather and the threat of avian flu, both of which threaten long-term sustainability.

In discussing the Farm Bill reauthorization, McBride reaffirmed her commitment to continuing congressional bipartisanship and close collaboration with Delaware’s agricultural community to ensure federal policies reflect the needs of local farmers and producers. 

“Durable agricultural policy requires balancing priorities and finding pragmatic, bipartisan solutions,” McBride said. “Today’s conversation reminded me how deeply personal this work is, and I am proud to bring their perspectives with me to Washington.”

Throughout her time in Congress, McBride has championed policies to support Delaware’s agricultural sector. In 2025, she introduced the bipartisan SAVE Our Poultry Act, legislation aimed at protecting poultry producers and strengthening biosecurity – a key priority for Delaware’s poultry production. 

Participants included representatives and leaders from the Delaware Department of Agriculture, Delaware Farm Bureau, Farm Journal Foundation, University of Delaware, Corteva Agriscience, New Castle Conservation District, Delaware Standardbred Owners Association Inc., Remembrance Farm, Delaware Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association, Delaware State University, Food Bank of Delaware, Little Wagon Produce, The Delmarva Farmer, and the Delmarva Chicken Association.

McBride was also joined by several members of the Delaware General Assembly including Rep. Claire Snyder-Hall, D-Rehoboth Beach; Rep. Alonna Berry, D-Milton; and Rep. Lyndon Yearick, R-Dover; as well as Sen. Russ Huxtable, D-Lewes; Sen. Kyra Hoffner, D-Leipsic; and Sen. Dave Wilson, R-Lincoln.

“Delaware farmers are innovators, small business owners and the heart of our communities,” said McBride. “At a time when farmers are facing real economic, workforce, technological and environmental challenges, it’s critical that their voices shape the decisions we make in Washington. Strengthening our ag economy, supporting family farms and ensuring the next generation can continue this proud tradition is essential to Delaware’s future. Today’s summit represents an important step in centering perspectives from up and down the First State.”