GOP lawmakers are partnering with Gov. Jack Markell and the Delaware Department of Agriculture to tout the work of state farmers.
In the weekly GOP message, State Rep. Lyndon Yearick (R-Dover South) describes how he grew up on a dairy farm. He says it’s undeniable that the distance between food producers and consumers has grown in the past 50 years.To that end, Yearick recently authored a bipartisan resolution to promote Delaware Local Produce Week. The series of four events are intended to highlight a different aspect of the inaugural “buy local–eat local” initiative.
Yearick says he hopes Delawareans will take the opportunity to reconnect with the state's agricultural community.
“There are more than 80 on-site farmstands throughout our state, and about two dozen community-run farmers’ markets," said Yearick. "Additionally, 20 farms allow patrons to harvest their own fruits and vegetables. Some farmers are sponsoring Community Supported Agriculture programs that provide shareholders with boxes of fresh produce during peak growing seasons.”
State officials hope the week’s activities encourage Delawareans to purchase fruits and vegetables from local farmers and reduce “food miles.” Often, domestically-produced food travels hundreds of miles to reach its final destination.
Full text of the GOP weekly message:
Hi, I’m State Rep. Lyndon Yearick.
I grew up on a dairy farm in a small, rural community. Back in the day, farmers, and the consumers they served, were neighbors. The fruits and vegetables in many homes were the product of local efforts.
Over the years, that model changed. While there is some dispute on specifics, it’s undeniable that over the past 50 years the distance between food producers and consumers has grown. Often, domestically produced food travels hundreds of miles to reach its final destination.
A growing movement is rolling back this trend, encouraging families to purchase fruits and vegetables from local farmers. Consumers benefit by getting fresher, more nutritious, and better-tasting food. Keeping our dollars close to home helps local farmers and energizes our economy. And reducing “food miles” means less energy and less pollution.
I recently authored a bipartisan resolution to help facilitate this initiative.
In partnership with the Delaware Department of Agriculture, the General Assembly and Gov. Jack Markell are staging Delaware Local Produce Week. Staring July 13th, a series of events will highlight the opportunities and benefits for Delawareans to buy local and eat local.
There are more than 80 on-site farmstands throughout our state, and about two dozen community-run farmers’ markets. Additionally, 20 farms allow patrons to harvest their own fruits and vegetables. Some farmers are sponsoring Community Supported Agriculture programs that provide shareholders with boxes of fresh produce during peak growing seasons.
I hope all Delawareans will take this opportunity to re-connect with our agricultural community and enjoy the best produce our state has to offer.
