Proclaiming The Week Of May 19th Through May 25, 2024, As Delaware Grown Week.
HCR136 continues a tradition that began ten years ago, where the Delaware General Assembly partnered with the Delaware Department of Agriculture to celebrate Delaware Grown Week. The bill reinforces the importance of farmers markets and local food initiatives, which serve as vital avenues for purchasing fresh and health-conscious food. The resolution aims to stimulate the economy by improving the relationship between farmers and consumers, providing essential support to local agriculture, which is crucial for both economic and food security.
House Concurrent Resolution 136 (HCR136) seeks to officially proclaim the week of May 19-25, 2024, as Delaware Grown Week. This resolution emphasizes the significance of local agriculture in Delaware and the vital connection between local farmers and consumers. It aims to celebrate the variety of local produce available and encourage increased consumption of fresh produce. Initiatives such as farm stands, community-run farmers markets, and community-supported agriculture (CSA) programs are highlighted as key components of promoting local agricultural practices and fostering economic relationships within the state.
The overall sentiment surrounding HCR136 is positive, reflecting a broad consensus on the importance of supporting local agriculture and communities. There is a strong belief among stakeholders, including lawmakers, local farmers, and consumers, that promoting local production contributes to the state’s economy while encouraging healthier eating habits. The resolution's support across the board indicates a recognition of the value of local food systems in fostering connections between citizens and farmers.
As a concurrent resolution, HCR136 does not propose any contentious changes to current laws but serves a ceremonial role in recognizing local agricultural efforts and promoting public engagement with food systems. The potential areas of contention may arise from discussions about how the state supports these initiatives or the allocation of resources towards promoting local agriculture, but these have not been highlighted as major points of debate in the discussions surrounding this resolution.