Harvesting Hope

The future of farming in Delaware

BY JAIDEN CAIN

DELAWARE IS A SMALL STATE packed with diversity. In about two hours, you can travel from the bustling city streets of Wilmington, through the countryside of Hartly, down to the iconic Sussex County beaches. This proximity allows Delawareans in urban areas to quickly visit local farms or farmers’ markets to learn where their food comes from. However, with the average age of farmers rising, profits falling, and land prices skyrocketing, the diversity that makes Delaware so unique is being threatened.

The average age of American farmers reached 58.1 in 2022, raising concerns about future successors. High entry costs and financial burdens deter younger generations from farming. Rising input costs and falling crop prices worsen financial instability, causing stress and doubts about the profession’s sustainability. Additionally, a growing disconnect from farming heritage and a lack of appreciation for agriculture threaten the industry’s future.

Things may be looking up as more people are starting to show their appreciation for the industry that feeds and clothes them. There has been a recent push towards eating locally and supporting the local agricultural community. This movement is crucial for maintaining Delaware’s agricultural heritage and ensuring that future generations appreciate and understand the importance of farming.

Delaware Farm Bureau is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting and protecting Delaware agriculture through education and advocacy. It is comprised of farmers and consumers who share an appreciation and passion for the agricultural way of life. DEFB organizes promotional events and drives, as well as engages in lobbying efforts, to foster widespread support for agriculture.

As a unified voice for Delaware's farmers, DEFB is part of a larger national network of six million farmers. It tirelessly works to preserve agriculture as both an industry and a way of life. Politically active yet nonpartisan, DEFB firmly defends agriculture against unreasonable taxes, regulations, and misconceptions on both local and national levels.

Anyone can be a member through the three categories of membership:

• regular members who are involved in farming and own or lease farmland;

• professionally engaged members who support the agricultural industry through their profession/career; and

• farm community members—individuals who are not engaged in farming but are interested in supporting Delaware’s farmers and agriculture.

If you would like to join or support DEFB in its efforts, visit www.defb.org for more information and to become a member.

Jaiden Cain is the membership and outreach coordinator at Delaware Farm Bureau.