Delaware Farmers’ markets in 2017 generated more than $3 million in sales, the second highest season since the state began recording sales a decade ago. A total of 21 community-run markets contributed to the sales.
“These numbers are a reflection of the positive relationship that Delaware residents and those visiting our state have with our family farmers,” said Secretary of Agriculture Michael T. Scuse. “Consumers know food purchased at our farmers’ market are grown locally, picked fresh, and delivered that day by the farm. Not only do they have the opportunity to learn how their food is grown directly from Delaware farmers, but they are able to make a positive impact on the economy by keeping it local.”
Often consisting of a few fold-out tables on the side of the road or tucked along a main street, Delaware farmers’ markets offered a mix of cheeses, breads, eggs, meat and other pre-made products such as salsa or cookies.
Yet produce continues to drive the most customers out of the supermarket with 53 percent of total sales at farmers’ markets.
“Farmers’ markets play an important role in providing Delaware grown fruits, vegetables, and value-added products to both rural and urban communities across our state,” said Delaware Department of Agriculture spokeswoman Stacey Hofmann. “We are starting to see an important change in the attendance at farmers’ markets ““ and that is more and more children are attending with adults.
A list of participating markets is available in Delaware’s Buy Local Guide,de.gov/buylocal, and will be updated in late March for 2018.
Here are the sales numbers from 2007.
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
