State officials highlight importance of buying local produce

Money doesn't grow on trees but for Delaware's produce farmers, and consumers buying locally is crucial for them to grow their other green thumb.

That's why The First State is promoting Produce Week.

Organizers say the local produce industry saw sales of over $3 million last year at the state's 25 community-run farmers markets.

And on top of that, almost half of all last year's sales for farmers markets were tied to agriculture products.

"It keeps your dollars within our local economy here.  You spend a dollar here, it goes to a local farmer, it goes to the workers that are around here," said republican Senator Brian Pettyjohn, representing District 19.  "And it helps grow our local economy here on Delmarva.  Buying something from out of state, you don't know where that money's going to, you don't know if it's going to a farmer, you don't know if it's going to a large conglomerate somewhere."

According to the State Department of Agriculture there are over 80 on-site farm stands and 20 community-run farmer's markets throughout the state.