Bill Text: DE HCR96 | 2015-2016 | 148th General Assembly | Draft

Delaware House Concurrent Resolution 96 (Prior Session Legislation)

Draft

Bill Title: Proclaiming The Week Of July 11-15, 2016 As Delaware Local Produce Week.

Spectrum: Bipartisan Bill

Status: (Engrossed - Dead) 2016-06-29 - Passed by Senate. Votes: Passed 21 YES 0 NO 0 NOT VOTING 0 ABSENT 0 VACANT [HCR96 Detail]

Download: Delaware-2015-HCR96-Draft.html

SPONSOR:

Rep. Yearick; on behalf of all Representatives

Sen. Ennis;on behalf of all Senators

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

148th GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 96

PROCLAIMING THE WEEK OF JULY 11-15, 2016 AS DELAWARE LOCAL PRODUCE WEEK.

WHEREAS, there are over 80 on-site farmstands throughout the state allowing individuals and families to connect directly with local farmers to purchase fresh produce; and

WHEREAS, approximately two dozen community-run farmers' markets are expected to be operating in Delaware this year; and

WHEREAS, Delaware's farmers' markets are expressions of the communities in which they are held, being administered by municipalities, business groups, farmers' or market associations; and

WHEREAS, farmers' markets provide a unique opportunity to purchase produce and locally made value-added goods; and

WHEREAS, the Department of Agriculture reports 45 percent of Delaware farmers' market sales were agricultural products such as meats, cheeses, jellies, breads, salsa, eggs or honey, facilitating small business start-up; and

WHEREAS, many farmers' markets accept Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) transactions, expanding the availability of healthy, fresh fruits and vegetables; and

WHEREAS, the 2015 market season posted record sales of more than $3 million � 15 percent increase over the previous year; and

WHEREAS, Delaware's more than 20 "u-pick farms" offer a distinctive experience for patrons to get the freshest fruit and vegetables possible by harvesting this produce themselves; and

WHEREAS, many organizations and businesses offer local Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) programs, providing shareholders with fresh produce on a weekly basis during peak harvest seasons; and

WHEREAS, initiatives are underway in city neighborhoods to empower local residents to grow their own healthy food in urban environments; and

WHEREAS, all of these activities and ventures have the common benefit of encouraging the consumption of locally produced fruits and vegetables, which have the most robust flavor and highest nutritional value; and

WHEREAS, consuming local produce helps stimulate our state's economy and builds relationships between Delaware farmers, businesses, and citizens; and

WHEREAS, marketing and promoting local produce is environmentally beneficial by reducing the energy needed to transport produce from farms to consumers;

NOW, THEREFORE:

BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the 148th General Assembly of the State of Delaware, the Senate concurring therein, that we do proclaim the week of July 11-15, 2016 as Delaware Local Produce Week.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that activities should be undertaken during this week to highlight ventures that produce, distribute and market fresh produce in The First State.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the General Assembly, the Delaware Department of Agriculture, and the Office of Governor Jack Markell are respectfully requested to collaborate and cooperate in successfully staging Delaware Local Produce Week.

SYNOPSIS

This Resolution proclaims the week of July 11-15, 2016 as Delaware Local Produce Week