Delaware News

Governor Welcomes Young Urban Farmers, Japanese Delegation to Delaware State Fair

Department of Agriculture | Former Governor Jack Markell (2009-2017) | News | Office of the Governor | Date Posted: Friday, July 26, 2013



Governor Welcomes Young Urban Farmers, Japanese Delegation to Delaware State Fair

DOVER – Highlighting two paths to the future for Delaware agriculture, Governor Jack Markell and Secretary of Agriculture Ed Kee today welcomed a group of young Wilmington urban farmers and an international trade delegation to the Delaware State Fair.

The joint ceremony on Governor’s Day at the Fair honored both young people who are actively growing community gardens and urban farms in the city, and representatives of Delaware’s sister state, Miyagi Prefecture, Japan.

“The young people we recognize today are future leaders of their communities,” said Markell. “We value their work to foster learning and understanding about the natural world and how our food is made. It’s appropriate that as we acknowledge their efforts and the importance of the agriculture industry to our state’s economy and heritage, we also express appreciation for the relationship we enjoy with our sister state of Miyagi. In a global economy, it’s critical that all Delawareans have opportunities to build connections with communities around the world. We’re proud to build strong business ties with our Japanese friends, including through exports of agricultural products.”

Secretary of Agriculture Ed Kee said that urban agriculture is one way that young people can learn entrepreneurial skills while connecting with the deep traditions of Delaware farming, noting that some of the youth sell their produce at local farmers’ markets.

“Whether they’re growing lettuce or watermelon, kale or lima beans, these young men and women are learning the same lessons as our early farmers – the joy of getting their hands dirty in the soil, the excitement of watching things grow and the independence that comes with growing your own food,” Kee said. “Those things are constant and universal. I’m pleased that they could join us for recognition and a day of fun and learning at the Fair.”

The Wilmington students were selected for a trip to the fair for their many hours working in some of the city’s community gardens and urban farms. Community gardens and urban farms strengthen communities and neighborhoods by providing common spaces, renewing local pride and improving food security and nutritional opportunities, and more than 20 currently are located in Wilmington and New Castle County.

The Miyagi delegation has been meeting with Delaware businesses and greeting Fair visitors this week, with Japanese cuisine featured as part of free cooking demonstrations at the Department of Agriculture building. Earlier in the week, they met with Delaware businesses to explore opportunities and partnerships, including Jannsen’s Market, ShopRite, Peppers, and Dogfish Head.

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Photos from the Miyagi delegation’s visit are available for media use at http://www.flickr.com/photos/agriculturede.

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Governor Welcomes Young Urban Farmers, Japanese Delegation to Delaware State Fair

Department of Agriculture | Former Governor Jack Markell (2009-2017) | News | Office of the Governor | Date Posted: Friday, July 26, 2013



Governor Welcomes Young Urban Farmers, Japanese Delegation to Delaware State Fair

DOVER – Highlighting two paths to the future for Delaware agriculture, Governor Jack Markell and Secretary of Agriculture Ed Kee today welcomed a group of young Wilmington urban farmers and an international trade delegation to the Delaware State Fair.

The joint ceremony on Governor’s Day at the Fair honored both young people who are actively growing community gardens and urban farms in the city, and representatives of Delaware’s sister state, Miyagi Prefecture, Japan.

“The young people we recognize today are future leaders of their communities,” said Markell. “We value their work to foster learning and understanding about the natural world and how our food is made. It’s appropriate that as we acknowledge their efforts and the importance of the agriculture industry to our state’s economy and heritage, we also express appreciation for the relationship we enjoy with our sister state of Miyagi. In a global economy, it’s critical that all Delawareans have opportunities to build connections with communities around the world. We’re proud to build strong business ties with our Japanese friends, including through exports of agricultural products.”

Secretary of Agriculture Ed Kee said that urban agriculture is one way that young people can learn entrepreneurial skills while connecting with the deep traditions of Delaware farming, noting that some of the youth sell their produce at local farmers’ markets.

“Whether they’re growing lettuce or watermelon, kale or lima beans, these young men and women are learning the same lessons as our early farmers – the joy of getting their hands dirty in the soil, the excitement of watching things grow and the independence that comes with growing your own food,” Kee said. “Those things are constant and universal. I’m pleased that they could join us for recognition and a day of fun and learning at the Fair.”

The Wilmington students were selected for a trip to the fair for their many hours working in some of the city’s community gardens and urban farms. Community gardens and urban farms strengthen communities and neighborhoods by providing common spaces, renewing local pride and improving food security and nutritional opportunities, and more than 20 currently are located in Wilmington and New Castle County.

The Miyagi delegation has been meeting with Delaware businesses and greeting Fair visitors this week, with Japanese cuisine featured as part of free cooking demonstrations at the Department of Agriculture building. Earlier in the week, they met with Delaware businesses to explore opportunities and partnerships, including Jannsen’s Market, ShopRite, Peppers, and Dogfish Head.

# # #

Photos from the Miyagi delegation’s visit are available for media use at http://www.flickr.com/photos/agriculturede.

image_printPrint

Related Topics:  , , , ,


Graphic that represents delaware news on a mobile phone

Keep up to date by receiving a daily digest email, around noon, of current news release posts from state agencies on news.delaware.gov.

Here you can subscribe to future news updates.