Delaware Farmers Markets recorded their second highest year for overall sales in 2017. The state’s 21 Farmers Markets grossed a total of more than $3 million in sales last year.
The Department of Agriculture says the total is surpassed only by the 2015 season.
Department of Ag Chief of Community Relations Stacey Hofmann says more and more people in the First State want to buy locally.
“Where they can identify the farm that the fruit and vegetables are coming from—they really are interested in knowing that they’re helping the local community by giving back and buying local,” said Hofmann.
Hofmann notes last year’s weather provided favorable conditions for fruits and vegetables.
“The weather allowed our farmers to get the crops in when they needed to. We did have a little bit of a wet period at the end of the year, but it didn’t affect the main farmers market season,” she said.
All farmers markets in the state are locally run by volunteers, and many are involved in programs helping to expand access to fresh produce for low income Delawareans.
