By Glenn Rolfe

MILLSBORO — A unique, flavorful experience is awaiting Delawareans and visitors to the First State.

The 2024 Delaware Grown Road Trip is underway, an effort launched Friday by the Delaware Department of Agriculture in collaboration with tourism agencies, farms and markets.

“This is the week that we celebrate the connection between family farms growing our food and consumers who are supporting them by buying local,” said state agriculture secretary Michael T. Scuse.

“This is a real important way that we can connect our consumers back to the farms, whether it’s a farmers market, farm stand, a you-pick operation … or agritourism venues.”

Brittingham Farms, a fourth-generation family operation in rural Millsboro, was the road trip’s launch site.

“We are so thrilled that, two years ago, we decided to open the farm up to the public,” said Laura Brittingham, who owns the facility with her husband, Jon Brittingham. “Being open to the public is a beautiful, wonderful thing. To have our community support us and really have an appreciation for Delaware agriculture is absolutely a dream come true for a farmer.

“I can’t tell you how meaningful it is to us to create a completely Delaware-grown product and then be recognized for that by the Department of Agriculture and the secretary of agriculture.”

The intent of the program is to encourage residents and visitors to travel the state to experience its agricultural heritage, exploring farms and farmers markets, as well as meeting specialty crop growers.

“Agriculture and tourism are two of the largest industries in the state, and they really go hand in hand,” said Delaware Tourism Office director Jessica Welch. “Visitors are always looking for unique experiences for things that they can do. We want to get people beyond the beach. ... Tourism is such an economic driver, and it’s really important for us to support tourism and agritourism in particular.”

Southern Delaware Tourism executive director Scott Thomas agreed.

“Agritourism presents massive opportunities, as people become increasingly interested in the benefits of active, healthy lifestyles and curious to know more about where their food comes from and how it is produced,” he added.

Brittingham Farms is comprised of three farms and about 350 acres. As its sign at the main Phillips Hill Road location states, its specialties are lavender and lambs, native to England and dating to the 18th century.

“We love doing agritourism activities with our babies. We have families come out for storytime with the lambs (and) all kinds of fun, and (we) show off the babies and talk about the breed,” said Ms. Brittingham, noting that the lambs will not eat lavender. “So, lavender and lambs pair beautifully in several different ways.”

Mr. Scuse said that, while Delaware is the second smallest state, it touts numerous high agricultural rankings. Sussex County is the No. 1 poultry-producing county in the nation, while Delaware is No. 1 in lima beans, eighth in watermelon production and 10th in sweet corn production.

“We grow the very best of anybody in the nation,” he said.

The road trip initiative also has an added incentive.

“If you visit three locations on the (route) and get your Delaware Grown passport stamped, you receive a free Delaware Grown shirt,” the secretary said.

Passports can be obtained from the Department of Agriculture, participating sites and visitors centers, or at delawaregrown.com.

Ms. Brittingham said her family is thrilled to be part of the journey, which showcases establishments in all three counties.

“My favorite thing to do is to collaborate with other farm families. My first job was at Fifer’s Farm Store. I swear that is why I am doing what I am today,” she said.

“Our restaurant contacts and our farm friends are the most important customers that we have. ... We’re trying our best to create a really elevated experience here when people visit and show them our little corner of Millsboro.”

She also noted that Brittingham Farms will host its Lavender Festival on June 15, beginning at 1 p.m. It will feature two bands, three food trucks, 50 vendors and demonstrations on lavender distilling.

Road trip anyone?

The Delaware Grown Road Trip offers three routes.

The Northern Route includes Filasky’s Produce in Middletown and Ramsey’s Farm and Highland Orchards, both in Wilmington.

The Central Route highlights Fifer’s Farm Store & Kitchen in Wyoming, Kalmar Farm in Harrington and T.S. Smith Orchard Point Market and Evans Farms, both in Bridgeville.

The Coastal Route’s stops are Brittingham Farms in Millsboro, Parsons Farms Produce in Dagsboro and Magee Farms in Selbyville.