Support local farmers markets

This week’s warm weather served as a prelude to a beloved tradition in communities across Delaware – the opening of farmers market season.

Starting Saturday, May 3, with the Historic Lewes Farmers Market, followed by the Nassau Valley Vineyards Farmers Market Sunday, May 4, and the Rehoboth Beach Farmers Market Tuesday, May 6, Cape Region residents and visitors will once again have the opportunity to connect directly with local growers and artisans. Other markets, including the Milton Farmers Market, will open soon, rounding out a vibrant network of 20 community-run markets across the state.

These markets offer more than just fresh produce; they are thriving community hubs, providing access to local meats, cheeses, breads, honey, eggs and more. In 2024, Delaware’s farmers markets reached a historic milestone, recording a record-setting $4.46 million in sales. That’s an increase of more than $314,000 from 2023, proving that the appetite for fresh, locally sourced food is stronger than ever.

In January, then-acting secretary of the Delaware Department of Agriculture Nikko Brady said the record-setting year, the second in as many seasons, shows just how much agriculture and farmers markets are pillars of local communities. Markets are not only about fresh, locally sourced food, but also about connecting to those who grow it, as well as meeting new friends and catching up with neighbors.

Farmers markets are vital for supporting local agriculture and small businesses. Fresh produce accounted for 45% of total sales last year, but markets also offer a wide range of value-added products, from handcrafted salsa to baked goods. 

As the 2025 market season kicks off, try to make time to visit a local market. To find the nearest market, go to delawaregrown.com. 

In this time of uncertainty, when the impacts of tariffs may result in added stress for local farmers who rely on exports, and the loss of funding for farm-to-community programs and similar initiatives, it’s all the more important to support the state’s agriculture industry.