Delaware farmers markets see record sales

Delaware agriculture officials say the state’s farmers’ markets posted record sales this past season.

Vendors at Delaware’s 29 farmers’ markets sold almost $2 million in fresh produce and other goods in the 2012 season.

Produce accounted for 57 percent of the total sales, or $1.1 million. Other sales included value-added products, such as meats, cheeses, jellies, breads, salsa, eggs or honey.

Officials say the record sales reflect the growing popularity of the local markets.

The 2011 season featured 16 market sites and brought in about $1.8 million, while the 2010 season had 14 sites and $1.3 million in sales.

The most recent season included the launch of a pilot project allowing food stamp recipients to use electronic benefit cards at the Cool Spring and Village Fresh markets in Wilmington.