DOVER — With farm stands opening their doors and farmers’ market seasons kicking off this month, it’s now easier than ever for Delawareans to buy their farm-fresh items directly from growers.

“Delaware is looking forward to another great growing season,” said Secretary of Agriculture Ed Kee. “Whether you buy local from a farmers’ market vendor or a roadside stand, you can get the best and freshest produce right here in Delaware.”

Shoppers can easily and quickly find local sources of fresh produce, meat, eggs and other agricultural products by using several new resources:

>> The new Buy Local Guide, at de.gov/buylocal, featuring lists of farmers’ markets, farm stands, creameries, equine operations and more.

>> The revamped Delaware Fresh app for mobile devices, now offering a search function to help users find products faster.

>> A new edition of the printed Delaware Ag Directory, available at locations around the state.

“Finding a farm selling your favorite foods is as easy as clicking, swiping or turning a page,” Kee said. “Getting to know your local farmers also helps create connections between neighbors, and fosters more awareness of agriculture’s important role in Delaware’s economy.”

The farmers’ market season this year features 27 community-run markets, with the Milton Farmers’ Market opening the season on Friday, April 18. The 2013 season set a record, with $2.1 million in sales. Six markets are accepting the Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card system, allowing families to purchase local produce and food items as part of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

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Contact:
Dan Shortridge
Chief of Community Relations
Delaware Department of Agriculture
302-698-4520

DOVER – Owners of farm markets, produce stands, garden centers, agritourism businesses, riding stables, farms offering hay sales, and other agricultural retail operations are being sought to be featured in the latest edition of the Delaware Agricultural Directory, a free, comprehensive guide to Delaware farms and related operations.

The Delaware Department of Agriculture’s marketing team is compiling the latest edition of the guide, which will be distributed widely online and throughout the state at festivals, fairs, visitors’ centers and other public locations.

It includes farmers’ markets, farm markets and produce stands, you-pick operations, Community Supported Agriculture programs, creameries, Christmas tree growers, public horse stables and riding centers, and harness and thoroughbred racing tracks. It also will feature a fold-out produce availability guide for Delaware.

Business owners can submit their operation by August 15 for inclusion in the newest edition, to be distributed in the fall. Contact Holly Porter in the DDA Marketing Section at 302-698-4554 or holly.porter@delaware.gov. Please call only if your business is new, if you have not been contacted in the last few months to confirm information, or if your information has changed. To review your information in the most recent directory, visit de.gov/agdirectory11

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Contact: Dan Shortridge
Chief of Community Relations
Delaware Department of Agriculture
302-698-4520