The 2015 Delaware farmers’ market season opens this week, kicking off another great local growing season after a record-setting 2014.

“A taste of Delaware is available at any local farmers’ market or farmstand, where First State families can buy directly from our state’s farm families,” said Secretary of Agriculture Ed Kee. “The best and freshest produce and other products are available right in our neighborhoods and communities.”

The farmers’ market season begins Friday, with the Milton Farmers’ Market opening the season. Most markets open in May, June and July. There are 23 markets scheduled to open for this season, with hours and locations available on the Delaware Buy Local Guide, at de.gov/buylocal, or via the Delaware Fresh mobile app.

The 2014 market season posted a record $2.6 million in sales, double that of five years ago. All Delaware farmers’ markets are run at the local level, by municipalities, business groups, farmers or market associations, with the Department of Agriculture providing support and marketing assistance.

Several markets are offering Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) transactions, allowing families to purchase local produce and food items as part of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. A list of markets offering EBT is available at de.gov/buylocal.

Farmers and others interested in becoming a vendor, or community groups interested in starting a local market, can contact Department of Agriculture marketing specialist David Smith at (302) 698-4522 or davidm.smith@delaware.gov.

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Contact:
Dan Shortridge
Director of Communications and Marketing
Delaware Department of Agriculture
302-698-4520

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