Local Produce Week kicks off in Del.
State officials kicked off Local Produce Week on Monday.
District 34 representative Lyndon Yearick was one of the sponsors of Resolution 41, which kicked off the inaugural event. It encourages people to buy and eat locally produced fruits and vegetables.
“We want people, Delawareans, to realize that agriculture is number one in our state and they should take full advantage. Especially in the summer of the bountiful harvests…and the different opportunities they can have.” Says Representative Yearick.
The Delaware Department of Agriculture reports that there are about 2,500 farms in the First State. 220 of them reportedly grow produce to sell, which accumulate an average of 1.2 billion dollars in sales each year. Secretary of Agriculture Ed Kee tells 47 ABC up to 60 million dollars are thanks to fruits and vegetables alone.
Mary Fifer Fennemore is a manager at Fifer Ochards. The commercial family farm is four generations old.
“You get the freshest possible produce at a good price and you are aware of where it’s coming from.” Explains Fifer, “You know your grower, basically.”
Fennemore says one program that has worked especially well for their business is the Community Supported Agriculture (“CSA”) program. It allows consumers to buy seasonal food directly from a farmer by purchasing *shares. At Fifer Orchards, people have the option of picking boxes of fresh produce either once a week or every other week.
“All of the customers really enjoy it, they say it’s like getting a Christmas gift each week because they don’t know what’s in it, you know? It’s a surprise.” She says.
According to officials, not every farm-stand or community-run farmer’s market participate in CSA. Those interested are recommend to ask their local farmer’s market.
“It’s extending their season, it brings in a higher margin of opportunities to help diversify the overall portfolio of the revenues they have coming in from farming.” Says Representative Yearick.
Local Produce Week public schedule:
Tuesday, July 14: Live-cooking demonstration at 1 p.m. at the Rehoboth Beach Farmers Market, followed by tour.
Wednesday, July 15: Officials discuss urban AG initiatives at the 12th & Brandywine Urban Farm in Wilmington at 10 a.m.
