Delaware’s 2022 farmers markets hit all-time high sales record

During the Delaware Ag Week Farmers Market Managers Summit, the Delaware Department of Agriculture announced that last year’s farmers markets hit an all-time high sales record of $3.7 million.

In 2022, sales from all 21 Delaware community-run farmers markets totaled $3,707,815, up $430,027 from the previous record in 2019.

“This past year demonstrates that direct-to-consumer sales for Delaware-grown products are strong,” said Michael T. Scuse, Delaware secretary of agriculture. “Delaware tends to follow the national trend that direct-to-consumer sales mainly occur at on-farm markets, farmstands and farmers markets. So when we have a great year at farmers markets, our producers also see the increased business at their farm location.”

Fresh produce comprised 52% of total sales, with the remainder coming from products such as meats, cheeses, jellies, breads, salsa, eggs and honey.

“When comparing 2022 and 2019, we saw a decrease of 5% in the produce sales in 2022, indicating that Delawareans and visitors are looking for a more balanced food shopping experience at their local farmers market,” said Kathy Jackson, DDA marketing specialist. “The consumer isn’t necessarily replacing shopping at the grocery store, but when they can connect to the farmer growing their food, they are also purchasing fresh meat, eggs, and other value-added products to complement their seasonal fruits and vegetables.”

Delaware farmers markets are run locally by municipalities, business groups, farmers or market associations. The Department of Agriculture provides support and marketing assistance.

The 2023 market season will begin in April; most markets start operations in May and June. To see a list of the 2022 markets, go to delawaregrown.com. Updated information for the 2023 season will be released in March.

Farmers and others interested in becoming vendors, or community groups interested in starting a local market can contact Kathy Jackson at 302 698-4625 or kathy.jackson@delaware.gov.

Delaware farmers market sales reported by year are: 2022, $3,707,815; 2021, $3,159,175; 2020, $1,949,593; 2019, $3,277,788; 2018, $2,883,702; 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; and 2007, $289,706.