HARRINGTON, Del. (January 9, 2024) – The Delaware Department of Agriculture (DDA) announced today that last year’s farmers markets hit an all-time high sales record of $4.14 million.

In 2023, sales from all 17 Delaware community-run farmers markets totaled $4,144,951, up $437,136 from the previous record set in 2022.

“The success of a farmers market relies on three key points – the farmers who grow various products to bring to market each week, an interactive market manager who engages their community to support our family farms, and consumers who want to purchase the freshest, locally grown food to feed their families,” said Delaware Secretary of Agriculture Michael T. Scuse. “We are fortunate to have fantastic farmers markets throughout the state that serve as prime examples of how a community supports Delaware’s agriculture industry.”

Delaware farmers’ markets are run locally by municipalities, business groups, farmers, or market associations. The Department of Agriculture provides support and marketing assistance.

Fresh produce comprised 52% of total sales, with the remainder coming from products such as meats, cheeses, jellies, breads, salsa, eggs, or honey.

“I believe this sales record showcases the fact that residents and visitors to our state want to continue to support the family farms that produce Delaware Grown fruits, vegetables, meats, and value-added products,” said DDA Marketing Specialist Kathy Jackson. “When farmers bring these products to our farmers markets, it is easy, convenient, and enjoyable for consumers to buy directly from the source.”

The 2024 market season will begin in May, with most markets open by the end of June. A current list of the 2023 markets is online at Delaware Grown, https://delawaregrown.com, and will be updated in late April for the 2024 season.

DDA will open registration for the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program beginning in May 2024 for Delaware residents who are 60 years or older and meet the income eligibility requirements.

Farmers and others interested in becoming vendors or community groups interested in starting a local market can contact Department of Agriculture marketing specialist Kathy Jackson at (302) 698-4625 or by email at kathy.jackson@delaware.gov.

Delaware Farmers Market Sales:
2023: $4,144,951
2022: $3,707,815
2021: $3,159,175
2020: $1,949,593
2019: $3,277,788
2018: $2,883,702
2017: $3,004,174
2016: $2,901,081
2015: $3,029,831
2014: $2,636,727
2013: $2,107,265
2012: $1,960,357
2011: $1,794,265
2010: $1,330,617
2009: $1,121,024
2008: $800,679
2007: $289,706

###

DOVER, Del. (September 18, 2023) — The Delaware Department of Agriculture (DDA) is reminding senior Delawareans who registered to participate in the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program to visit local farmers markets and on-farm markets to use their benefits before they expire on October 31.

Beginning in June, eligible participants signed up for the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) at their local senior centers. With a new system in place, participants received their SFMNP benefits card pre-loaded with $50 to purchase fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs, and honey at local farmers markets and on-farm markets.

According to DDA Marketing Specialist Kathy Jackson, “Our registration for these benefits was extremely successful in late May and early June; however, we know nearly 400 of our senior participants have not used their benefits yet. With only six weeks left in the program, we don’t want these benefits to go to waste. If it’s a matter of remembering a pin number, all participants should have received a folder of information, and reviewing those documents should remind the participant of their pin number. They can also call the helpline number, 214-256-3083, which is also listed on the card.”

Seniors who cannot attend one of the participating sites may designate another person to shop for them.

Fall is the perfect time to get out and visit Delaware farmers markets and on-farm markets to access fresh fruits and vegetables. Customers will find lots of apple varieties, pumpkins, cabbage, beets, broccoli, cauliflower, autumn squashes, lima beans, sweet potatoes, kale, radishes, green beans, chard, baby bok choi, tomatoes, sweet corn, microgreens, lettuces, potatoes, garlic, onions, peppers, mushrooms, and fresh herbs. Senior participants are also able to purchase honey.

The following locations participating in the Farmers Market Nutrition Programs are still open and accepting vouchers:

New Castle County
• Bellevue Farmers Market, Bellevue Community Center, 510 Duncan Road, Wilmington, Fridays 4 – 7 p.m. / May 5 – Oct. 27
• Carousel Park Farmers Market, Carousel Park, 3700 Limestone Road, Wilmington, Fridays 2 – 6 p.m. / May 5 – Oct. 27
• Co-Op Farmers Market, Newark Shopping Center, 230 E. Main Street, Newark, Sundays 9:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. / May 7 – Nov. 19
• Glasgow Park Farmers Market, Glasgow Park, 2275 Pulaski Highway, Newark, Thursdays 3 – 7 p.m. / May 4 – Oct. 26
• Food Bank of Delaware Farm Stand, 222 Lake Drive, Newark, Monday – Thursday, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
• The Market at Coverdale, 543 Way Road, Greenville, Fridays 2 – 7 p.m., Saturdays 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sundays 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
• Village Farmers Market, Brandywine Mills Plaza, 19th and Market Streets, Wilmington, Tuesdays 5:30 – 7:00 p.m., July 11 – Sept. 26
• West Side Grows Farmers Market, Cool Spring Park, North Van Buren and West 10th Streets, Wilmington, Wednesdays 3:30 – 6:30 p.m., June 28 – Oct. 25

Kent County
• Fifer’s Farm & Country Store, 1919 Allabands Mill Road, Wyoming, Monday – Saturday, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
• Kalmar Farm, 4351 Canterbury Road, Harrington, Tuesday – Friday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., Saturday, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
• Modern Maturity Farmers Market, Modern Maturity Center, 1121 Forrest Avenue, Dover, Thursdays 11 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. / June 8 – Sept. 26
• Tidal Farmers Market, 1313 Frederica Road, Frederica, Sundays 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. / May 28 – Sept. 24

Sussex County
• Adkins Produce, 32008 Long Neck Road, Millsboro, Monday – Saturday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• Evans Farm Produce, 9843 Seashore Hwy, Bridgeville, Every Day, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
• Historic Lewes Farmers Market, George HP Smith Park, DuPont and Johnson Avenues, Lewes, Saturdays 8 a.m. – Noon / May 6 – Sept. 30
• Historic Lewes Farmers Market, Lewes Elementary School, 800 Savanah Road, Lewes, Saturdays 9 a.m. – Noon / Oct. 7 – Nov. 18
• The Homestead Market, 24171 Chapel Branch Road, Seaford, Tuesday – Saturday, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Sundays 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• Little Wagon Produce, 2667 Seashore Hwy, Greenwood, Every Day, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
• Marvelous Produce, 22880 Sussex Hwy, Seaford (Lowe’s parking lot), Monday – Saturday, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Sundays 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
• Nassau Valley Vineyards Farmers Market, 32165 Winery Way, Lewes, Sundays Noon – 3 p.m. / May 7 – Oct. 29
• Parsons Farm Produce, 30381 Armory Road, Dagsboro, Monday – Saturday, 6:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Sundays 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
• Rehoboth Beach Farmers Market, Grove Park adjacent to Lighthouse Circle, Rehoboth Avenue, Rehoboth Beach, Tuesdays 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. / May 2 – Oct. 31
• Riverwalk Farmers Market, Riverwalk Park, South Walnut Street, Milford, Saturdays 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. / May 6 – October 28
• TS Smith and Sons, 8877 Redden Road, Bridgeville, Every Day, 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.
• Twisted Steel Cattle Company, 10967 Beach Hwy, Greenwood, Every Day, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

The purposes of the Seniors Farmers Market Nutrition Program are to provide fresh, nutritious, unprepared, locally grown fruits, vegetables, cut herbs, and honey from farmers markets and on-farm markets to low-income seniors and to increase the consumption of agricultural commodities by aiding in the expansion and development of local farmers markets.

To learn how to handle, store, and prepare healthy meals with Delaware Grown produce, visit https://delawaregrown.com.

###

DOVER, Del. (October 12, 2022) — While the hustle and bustle of summer may be over, Fall is the perfect time to get out and visit Delaware farmers’ markets and on-farm markets to access fresh fruits and vegetables. Many of these venues will be open until right before Thanksgiving; however, the Delaware Department of Agriculture (DDA) reminds seniors and WIC participants with Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program vouchers to spend these by October 31.

“We see a pretty even balance of residents who participate in the Farmers’ Market Nutrition Programs visiting farmers’ markets versus on-farm markets,” said DDA Marketing Specialist Kathy Jackson. “When shopping at a farmers’ market, participants have many more choices because more vendors are selling at these sites. On the other hand, some of our participants prefer to have the ability to shop at their local farm on the day that suits their schedule best. Depending on the family farms involved at each location, the variety of Delaware Grown fruits and vegetables will vary.”

In the Fall, customers will find lots of apple varieties, pumpkins, cabbage, beets, broccoli, cauliflower, autumn squashes, lima beans, sweet potatoes, kale, radishes, green beans, chard, baby bok choi, tomatoes, sweet corn, microgreens, lettuces, potatoes, garlic, onions, peppers, mushrooms, and fresh herbs. Senior participants are also able to purchase honey.

The following locations participating in the Farmers’ Market Nutrition Programs are still open and accepting vouchers:

New Castle County
• Bellevue Farmers’ Market, Bellevue Community Center, 510 Duncan Road, Wilmington, Fridays 3–7 p.m. / May 6 – Oct. 28
• Carousel Park Farmers’ Market, Carousel Park, 3700 Limestone Road, Wilmington, Fridays 2–6 p.m. / May 6 – Nov. 18
• Co-Op Farmers’ Market, Newark Shopping Center, 230 E. Main Street, Newark, Sundays 9:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. / May 1 – Nov. 20
• Glasgow Park Farmers’ Market, Glasgow Park, 2275 Pulaski Highway, Newark, Thursdays 3–7 p.m. / May 5 – Oct. 29
• Food Bank of Delaware Farm Stand, 222 Lake Drive, Newark, Mon., Tues., Wed. & Fri.: 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Thursday 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Highland Orchards Farm Market, 1431 Foulk Road, Wilmington, Monday-Friday: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• The Market at Coverdale, 543 Way Road, Greenville, Fridays: 2 to 7 p.m., Saturdays: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sundays: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Kent County
• Fifer’s Farm & Country Store, 1919 Allabands Mill Road, Wyoming, Monday-Saturday: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
• Twisted Steel Cattle Company, 14255 S. DuPont Hwy, Harrington, Every Day, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Sussex County
• Historic Lewes Farmers’ Market, Lewes Elementary School, 800 Savanah Road, Lewes, Saturdays 9 am-noon / Oct. 1 – Nov. 19
• Rehoboth Beach Farmers’ Market, Grove Park adjacent to Lighthouse Circle, Rehoboth Avenue, Rehoboth Beach, Tuesdays 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. / May 3 – Oct. 25
• Riverwalk Farmers’ Market, Riverwalk Park, South Walnut Street, Milford, Saturdays 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. / May 7 – October 29
• Adkins Produce, 32008 Long Neck Road, Millsboro, Every Day, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• Evans Farm Produce, 9843 Seashore Hwy, Bridgeville, Every Day, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
• Little Wagon Produce, 2667 Seashore Hwy, Greenwood, Every Day, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
• Magee Farms Lewes, 33761 Westcoats Road, Lewes, Every Day, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• Magee Farms Selbyville, 34857 Lighthouse Road, Selbyville, Every Day, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• Parsons Farm Produce, 30381 Armory Road, Dagsboro, Every Day, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
• TS Smith and Sons, 8877 Redden Road, Bridgeville, Every Day, 7 a.m. – 6 p.m.

The purposes of the Farmers’ Market Nutrition Programs are to provide fresh, nutritious, unprepared, locally grown fruits, vegetables, cut herbs, and honey (seniors only) from farmers’ markets and on-farm markets to women, infants over four months old, and children who receive WIC Program benefits, to low-income seniors, and to increase the consumption of agricultural commodities by aiding in the expansion and development of local farmers’ markets.

To learn how to handle, store, and prepare healthy meals with Delaware Grown produce, visit https://delawaregrown.com.

DOVER, Del. (January 11, 2022) – Today, the Delaware Department of Agriculture announced that Delaware farmers’ markets had nearly $3.16 million in sales in 2021. As the second-highest sales year on record for Delaware’s farmers’ markets, 2021 has proven demand for buying locally grown products is strong among residents and visitors to the state.

A return to a more normal season could be one of the contributing factors to the success of Delaware farmers’ markets. However, Secretary of Agriculture Michael T. Scuse credits the connections made throughout 2020 when residents relied on family farms to provide produce, meat, fresh eggs, honey, and more.

“When the pandemic first hit, people quickly realized that food wasn’t readily available at their grocery stores. For many Delawareans, it was their first time reaching out to a farm or visiting a farmers’ market, so they could put food on their table,” said Scuse. “We hoped consumers would pick up in 2021, where they left off in 2020, realizing farmers play a significant role in providing fresh, nutritious products grown right here in Delaware. And they did.”

Sales from 18 Delaware community-run farmers’ markets this year totaled $3,159,175. Three farmers’ markets did not provide sales figures, which would have likely put sales closer to the 2019 record. Fresh produce made up 55 percent of total sales. The remainder came from products such as meats, cheeses, jellies, bread, salsa, eggs, or honey.

“This past year, we saw several new farmers’ markets open, offering more opportunities for both customers and vendors,” said Kathy Jackson, DDA Marketing Specialist. “We also experienced a change in the length of our market season this year. With great weather and a bountiful growing season, consumers wanted to take advantage of all the fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs, and other items that local farms had to offer. So, we had several established markets expand into late Fall to benefit both the consumer and the farmer.”

In 2021, 13 markets participated in the Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program and the Women, Infants, and Children Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program. The Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program had its highest participation since Delaware began offering these benefits. Seven markets participated in the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP). These programs help expand access for low-income residents to purchase fresh local produce at Delaware farmers’ markets.

Delaware farmers’ markets are run locally by municipalities, business groups, farmers, or market associations. The Department of Agriculture provides support and marketing assistance.

The 2022 market season will begin in April; most markets start operations in May and June. A current list of the 2021 markets is online at Delaware Grown, https://delawaregrown.com, and will be updated in late March for the 2022 season.

Farmers and others interested in becoming a vendor, or community groups interested in starting a local market, can contact Department of Agriculture marketing specialist Kathy Jackson at (302) 698-4625 or by email kathy.jackson@delaware.gov.

Delaware Farmers’ Market Sales:
2021: $3,159,175
2020: $1,949,593
2019: $3,277,788
2018: $2,883,702
2017: $3,004,174
2016: $2,901,081
2015: $3,029,831
2014: $2,636,727
2013: $2,107,265
2012: $1,960,357
2011: $1,794,265
2010: $1,330,617
2009: $1,121,024
2008: $800,679
2007: $289,706

###

DOVER, Del. — A new program will provide fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs, and honey at no cost to low-income Sussex County senior citizens at four farmers’ markets in the Rehoboth Beach/Lewes area. Funding for the program is provided by the Delaware Department of Agriculture and the United States Department of Agriculture.

“We know food insecurity is a huge issue facing many of our seniors in Delaware. In making decisions on what to pay for – housing, medical, or food – the reality is some seniors choose to sacrifice nutritious foods like fruits and vegetables.” said Secretary of Agriculture Michael T. Scuse. “It has been a priority for our Department to obtain funding to support the Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program. The $20,000 provided by the General Assembly and with the recent award of $30,000 from USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service, we will be able to help more than 2,100 eligible seniors in Sussex County.”

The purposes of the Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) are to provide fresh, nutritious, unprepared, locally grown fruits, vegetables, cut herbs, and honey from farmers’ markets to low-income seniors and to increase the consumption of agricultural commodities by aiding in the expansion and development of local farmers’ markets.

“Delaware has made it a priority to increase access to nutritious food because it is important to improving the health of all Delawareans,” said Governor Carney. “The addition of the Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program is incredibly important to our state not only by providing Delaware-grown fruits and vegetables to those who meet the criteria, but it also helps us support our state’s family farmers who take so much pride in growing the fresh produce.”

Seniors may register for the program at scheduled times at local senior centers. Eligible seniors will receive a booklet of four $5 coupons (for a total of $20) which can be used at participating farmers’ markets to purchase their choice of fresh, locally grown fruits, vegetables, herbs, or honey. Recipients may redeem the coupons through October 31 and may designate another person to shop for them if they are unable to attend a farmers’ market.

In order to participate in the program, seniors must be a resident of Delaware, be 60 years or older and have a household income not exceeding 185 percent of the current federal poverty guidelines.

Participating farmers’ markets include:

• Historic Lewes Farmers’ Market at George H.P. Smith Park, DuPont & Johnson Avenues, Lewes, held Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon.
• Historic Lewes Farmers’ Market at Kings Highway at Crooked Hammock Brewery, 37707 Crooked Hammock Way, Lewes, held Wednesdays from 8 to 11 a.m.
• Nassau Valley Vineyards Farmers’ Market at 32165 Winery Way, Lewes, held Sundays from noon to 3 p.m.
• Rehoboth Beach Farmers’ Market at Grove Park adjacent to Lighthouse Circle, Rehoboth Beach, held Tuesdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Coupons are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, beginning in late June, and continuing while funds are available. Applications will not be mailed out and will not be accepted prior to June 26. A wait list is kept for eligible seniors who do not receive coupons due to a shortfall in available coupons.

Seniors can register to receive the SFMNP vouchers:

• Tuesday, June 26, 9 a.m. to noon at Lewes Senior Center, 32083 Janice Road, Lewes;
• Thursday, June 28, 9 to 11 a.m. at Cape Henlopen Senior Center, 11 Christian Street, Rehoboth Beach; and
• Tuesday, July 3, 10:30 a.m. to noon at Lewes CHEER Activity Center, 34211 Woods Edge Drive, Lewes.

Additional distribution dates will be announced in July.

For more information on the Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program, contact Kathy Jackson, Department of Agriculture Marketing Specialist at Kathy.Jackson@delaware.gov.

###

Media Contact: Stacey Hofmann, 302-698-4542, stacey.hofmann@delaware.gov