As the weather warms up, farmers gear up for their busy season, and consumers eagerly anticipate the chance to venture out and explore. During the summer, consumers enjoy “grocery shopping” at their local farmers markets and farm stores and stands for fresh local produce. For those looking for locally grown, fresh groceries, Delaware’s 17 farmers markets and over 70 farm stores and stands are ready to provide.

With multiple vendors offering a variety of products including produce, meat, dairy, and handmade crafts, customers are likely to discover something new with each trip to their local farmers market. Additionally, farmers markets allow customers to make a connection with producers. They can ask questions regarding how the product was grown or made, allowing for more transparency from producers to consumers.

“Our experience at farmers markets has been so positive with all the loyal customers that attend every year,” says Jenny Dittmar of Felton.

Dittmar and her family run Dittmar Family Farms offering produce, pastured meats, and goat soap with a focus on regenerative agriculture. Customers can find their products at local farmers markets or have the option to pre-order online for carside pick-up on farm!

“Every year we look forward to seeing all the vendors and volunteers again and so many friends we have made over the years,” says Dittmar. “When the farmers markets open back up each season and we see the excitement on our customers faces at our table displays of veggies it reminds us that we are doing what we are meant to be doing and gives us a sense of pride for all the months of preparation leading up to the beginning of May! It is all worth it!”

Farm stores and stands have become increasingly popular across the first state as farmers can sell their products on the farm. With a busy summer schedule, some farmers need the flexibility of selling products where they work. When customers shop at farm stores and stands, they get a glimpse of life on the farm and see where their food is grown, while directly supporting the farmer’s dreams.

As farm stores expand, many turn to agritourism to further increase farm transparency, offering their customers the opportunity to explore the farm. For many consumers, learning exactly how their food is grown makes them more comfortable with their purchase. Agritourism can vary greatly from farm to farm. Some offer a U-pick option, allowing customers to go into the fields and pick their very own produce, such as strawberries and peaches. Others give their customers the chance to tour the farm and learn about the day-to-day operations.

“We at Delaware Farm Bureau love to highlight our farmers who attend farmers markets and have farm stores on our social media! You can find something new at each vendor or store; it’s such a fun experience. Farmers put in tireless hours of work to provide their customers with the best product possible, and we are so appreciative of that,” said Mikayla Paul, Delaware Farm Bureau Marketing Coordinator.

Some other options of on farm, local experiences are wineries, creameries, Christmas tree farms and garden centers. The Delaware Farm Bureau encourages consumers to buy local and support your local producers! To find a buying local guide, visit www.agriculture.delaware.gov/communications-marketing/buy-local-delaware-guide/. To order from Dittmar Family Farms, visit https://www.dittmarfamilyfarms.com/. For more information on the Delaware Farm Bureau, visit www.defb.org.

Caption for photo: Dittmar Family Farms' display at the Historic Lewes Farmers Market at Crooked Hammock in Lewes, DE. 

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