HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

149th GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 34

PROCLAIMING THE WEEK OF JULY 9-13, 2018 AS DELAWARE PRODUCE WEEK.

WHEREAS, there are over 80 on-site farmstands throughout the state allowing individuals and families to connect directly with local farmers to purchase fresh produce; and

WHEREAS, more than 20 community-run farmers’ markets will be operating in Delaware this year; and

WHEREAS, Delaware's farmers' markets are expressions of the communities in which they are held, being administered by municipalities, business groups, farmers’ or market associations; and

WHEREAS, farmers’ markets provide a unique opportunity to purchase produce and locally made value-added goods; and

WHEREAS, the Department of Agriculture reports 47 percent of Delaware farmers’ market sales for 2017 were tied to agricultural products such as meats, cheeses, jellies, breads, salsa, eggs or honey, facilitating small business start-ups; and

WHEREAS, many farmers’ markets accept Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) transactions, expanding the availability of healthy, fresh fruits and vegetables; and

WHEREAS, the 2017 market season posted sales of more than $3 million; and

WHEREAS, Delaware’s more than two dozen “u-pick” operations offer a distinctive experience for patrons to get the freshest fruit and vegetables possible by harvesting this produce themselves; and

WHEREAS, many organizations and businesses offer local Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) programs, providing shareholders with fresh produce on a weekly basis during peak harvest seasons; and

WHEREAS, initiatives are underway in city neighborhoods to empower local residents to grow their own healthy food in urban environments; and

WHEREAS, all of these activities and ventures have the common benefit of encouraging the consumption of locally produced fruits and vegetables, which have the most robust flavor and highest nutritional value; and

WHEREAS, consuming local produce helps stimulate our state’s economy and builds relationships between Delaware farmers, businesses, and citizens; and

WHEREAS, marketing and promoting local produce is environmentally beneficial by reducing the energy needed to transport produce from farms to consumers;

NOW, THEREFORE:

BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the 149th Delaware General Assembly that the week of July 9-13, 2018 is proclaimed as Delaware Produce Week.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that activities should be undertaken during this week to highlight ventures that produce, distribute and market fresh produce in The First State.

SYNOPSIS

This Resolution proclaims the week of July 9-13, 2018 as Delaware Produce Week. This is the fourth consecutive year this observation is being staged in an attempt to facilitate a better, healthier relationship between Delaware famers and local consumers.