Delaware’s farmers markets set a new sales records in 2015, surpassing $3 million in sales statewide, and that’s good news for farmers and for consumers in Sussex County.

State officials say sales from all 25 of Delaware’s community-run farmers markets showed an increase of nearly $400,000 over 2014, a healthy 15 percent increase.

This double-digit rate of growth paints a vivid picture of growing popular demand for the very freshest produce – which in Sussex County comes right out of local fields. Agriculture officials say more than half of last year’s sales were for produce, while the remaining sales included meats, cheeses, jellies, breads, salsa, eggs and honey.

The growth of farmers markets parallels public demand to know where food comes from and how it’s produced. As anyone who has visited Historic Lewes, Milton or Rehoboth Beach farmers markets can attest, local markets have become a new public forum, a place where producers and consumers meet, interact and learn from one another. Add in lively food demonstrations, crafts and entertainment, and farmers markets are clearly not just for produce; they are a popular addition to the many attractions the Cape Region offers residents as well as tourists.

Plenty of beautiful fruits and vegetables plus the free-flowing interchange of ideas allows shoppers to develop trust and even pride in the foods they purchase while local farmers receive a weekly update about the interests and concerns of customers.

Farmers markets also promote sustainable agriculture, which means many of our local farmers focus on producing high-quality foods without depleting the soil or polluting the environment. Sustainable farming practices are supported by longtime farm families in the Cape Region and also by a new generation of young people interested in returning to the farm.