HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

152nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 52

PROCLAIMING THE WEEK OF MAY 21ST THROUGH MAY 27, 2023 AS DELAWARE GROWN WEEK.

WHEREAS, there are at least 86 farm stands throughout the state allowing individuals and families to connect directly with local farmers to purchase fresh produce; and

WHEREAS, at least 22 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, or associations; and

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

WHEREAS, about half of Delaware farmers market sales are typically tied to agricultural products such as meats, cheeses, jellies, breads, salsa, eggs, or honey – facilitating small business start-ups; and

WHEREAS, many farmers markets and on-farm markets accept Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) transactions, the Women Infant and Children Farmers Market Nutrition Program, and the Seniors Farmers Market Nutrition Program, expanding the availability of healthy, fresh fruits and vegetables; and

WHEREAS, Delaware’s 16 “u-pick” operations offer a distinctive experience for patrons to get the freshest fruits and vegetables possible by harvesting the produce themselves; and

WHEREAS, 20 Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) programs in Delaware provide shareholders with fresh produce on a periodic basis during the growing season; and

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

WHEREAS, school-aged youth are increasing their agricultural literacy by learning how to grow, prepare, and eat healthy fruits, vegetables, and herbs through school gardens and agriscience education programs,

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 food from farms to consumers;

NOW, THEREFORE:

BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the 152 ^nd Delaware General Assembly that from May 21-27, 2023 is proclaimed as Delaware Grown Week.

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

SYNOPSIS

This concurrent resolution proclaims the week of May 21-27, 2023 as Delaware Grown Week. It has been nine years since the General Assembly first partnered with the Delaware Department of Agriculture to establish this annual observation to facilitate better, healthier relationships between Delaware farmers and local consumers. Delaware Grown Week is celebrated annually the third full week of May. Successful passage of this resolution will continue this worthy collaboration.