Delaware farmers market season begins April 7

With a record season behind them, Delaware's farmers markets are gearing up for another great year. Twenty-three community-run farmers markets will be opening over the next three months, selling Delaware produce and other farm-fresh goods.

"Farmers markets are a great way to connect with the people who grow your food, building relationships and strengthening communities," said Agriculture Secretary Ed Kee. "For farmers, they're a wonderful opportunity to reach new customers and have some great conversations around agriculture's importance and the strength of our family farms."

The season begins Thursday, April 7, with the opening of the Garden Shack Farmers Market near Lewes. The Milton Farmers Market opens April 22, and the Fresh Friday Farmers Market in Wilmington opens April 29. Twelve more markets open in May and eight in June.

A farmers market directory, complete with locations, hours, and dates of operation, is at the Delaware Buy Local Guide at de.gov/buylocal.

The 2015 season set a record with more than $3 million in sales, up more than $390,000 over 2014 and up ninefold since 2007.

Nine markets are offering Electronic Benefits Transfer transactions, allowing families to purchase local produce and food items as part of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

All community-run farmers markets are operated at the local level, by municipalities, business groups, farmers or market associations, with the Department of Agriculture providing support and marketing assistance.

Farmers and others interested in becoming vendors, or community groups interested in starting a local market can contact Department of Agriculture marketing specialist David Smith at 302-698-4625 or davidm.smith@state.de.us.