Bill Text: DE HCR48 | 2017-2018 | 149th General Assembly | Draft

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Bill Title: Proclaiming The Week Of July 10-14, 2017 As Delaware Local Produce Week.

Spectrum: Bipartisan Bill

Status: (Engrossed - Dead) 2018-01-25 - Passed By Senate. Votes: 20 YES 1 ABSENT [HCR48 Detail]

Download: Delaware-2017-HCR48-Draft.html

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SPONSOR:

Rep. Yearick on behalf of all Representatives & Sen. Ennis on behalf of all Senators

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

149th GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 48

PROCLAIMING THE WEEK OF JULY 10-14, 2017 AS DELAWARE LOCAL 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, 25 community-run farmers’ markets are expected to 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 45 percent of Delaware farmers’ market sales are 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 2016 market season posted sales of more than $2.9 million; and

WHEREAS, Delaware’s more than 20 “u-pick farms” 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 General Assembly of the State of Delaware, the Senate concurring therein, that we do proclaim the week of July 10-14, 2017 as Delaware Local 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.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the General Assembly, the Delaware Department of Agriculture, and the Office of Governor John Carney are respectfully requested to collaborate and cooperate in successfully staging Delaware Local Produce Week.

SYNOPSIS

This Resolution proclaims the week of July 10-14, 2017 as Delaware Local Produce Week. This is the third consecutive year this observation is being staged in an attempt to facilitate a better, healthier relationship between Delaware famers and local consumers.