By Mike Finney

HARRINGTON — Delaware’s agricultural producers will return to the Delaware State Fairgrounds between Jan. 9-12, 2023, for an in-person Ag Week.

For the past two years, participants attended the sessions virtually.

The much-awaited return to a live event will allow attendees to explore the latest and most valuable farming innovations, while networking with other producers, industry experts and agricultural exhibitors.

“Ag Week is an ongoing partnership between the Delaware Department of Agriculture, the University of Delaware and Delaware State University to provide educational sessions and meetings to members of the agricultural community to help improve profitability for the upcoming year,” said state Secretary of Agriculture Michael T. Scuse.

“Additionally, farmers can connect directly with local agribusiness under one roof in between sessions and during lunch, which saves a lot of time doing business.”

The event offers a wide array of meetings over the four days, featuring topics such as agronomy, animal science, beekeeping, fruits and vegetables, woodland management and more.

And those who attend can earn continuing education credits for nutrient management, pest management and certified crop advising for Delaware and Maryland.

Plus, for the first time, the annual Delaware Farmers Market Managers Summit will take place during Ag Week instead of in March. On Jan. 10, from 10 a.m. until noon, these managers from across the state will be able to network, learn about program and regulatory changes, and review the challenges and achievements of the 2022 market season.

The summit’s featured education segment will be “Effective Public Relations Hacks for Farmers Markets.” Following the summit, a meet-and-greet session for market managers and fruit/vegetable growers will take place, helping increase the number of family farms participating in Delaware’s farmers markets.

Also on Jan. 10, a screening of and panel discussion about the film, “Delmarva and the Ground for Change,” will be hosted in the Exhibit Hall from 6-8 p.m. This production follows three family-owned farming operations on the Delmarva Peninsula that seek to protect soil health.

Registration for Ag Week went live Thursday. Those interested in attending are encouraged to register here to ensure an accurate count for food and logistical purposes.

Anyone requiring special accommodations should contact the Department of Agriculture two weeks before the event at 302-856-7303.