Delaware farmers’ markets to open under new guidelines

DELAWARE – Many Delaware farmers are in preparation mode after the Department of Agriculture announced farmers’ markets can safely begin to reopen this Friday.

The Department of Agriculture says farmers’ markets will have to reopen under new protocols.

They say things like social gatherings, entertainment shows or food trucks will not be allowed. Also, all customers will be required to wear face masks while maintaining social distance.

47ABC spoke to a local farmer on Monday who says his farm gets about half of its revenue from people buying his produce at farmers’ markets. So, he says these new changes are a huge relief.

“Right now we’re just thankful for everyone on Delmarva that supported us,” said Henry Bennett at Bennett Orchards.

“It shows that during critical times, Delmarva always has the back of their farmers and it makes me truly proud to be a six-generation Delaware farmer,” said Bennett.

47ABC also spoke with the Department of Agriculture’s Secretary Michael Scuse on Monday about the reopening of farmers’ markets.

He says the state needed to find a way for farmers’ markets to safely reopen and he believes this is a step forward for the community.

For more information regarding the protocols for opening Delaware farmers’ markets, click here.