Delaware Tech prepares future generation of farmers

Delaware Technical Community College students now have a hands-on way to study sustainable agriculture and the benefits of working with a fresh market.

School, state and local officials gathered at the college's 4-acre agricultural complex at the Jack F. Owens Campus in Georgetown in early October to celebrate its new market and greenhouses, where students will learn how to grow and prepare fresh fruits and vegetables.

“Agriculture is so important to this state. It is our No. 1 industry, and the demand continues to grow for local and regional produce,” said state Department of Agriculture Secretary Michael Scuse. “A facility like this allows us to train that next group of young, agricultural producers. I really commend Delaware Tech for going this far and helping build our agricultural sector.”

Scuse also presented the college a proclamation from Gov. John Carney declaring Oct. 3 as Agriculture Awareness Day in Delaware.

With a 2,400-square-foot production facility, three high-tunnel greenhouses and an alternative agriculture greenhouse, the new facilities will provide students with in-ground growing experience and serve as a demonstration site for agricultural practices that lengthen the growing season.

“A production ag lab like this facility is a wonderful asset to our community to make sure folks can come through and understand agriculture, and be able to stay here and raise a family here like I'm doing,” said Sussex County Administrator Todd Lawson, a fourth-generation Sussex County farmer.

Sussex County, DuPont and more than a dozen businesses, organizations and individuals sponsored building the new agricultural complex. For more about Delaware Tech and its programs, go to www.dtcc.edu.