"Farmlands are integral to Delaware and I thank the USDA for taking the initiative to help more people learn about the industry," said Senator Carper.  "This is a great opportunity for residents and tourists to garner a better understanding of such an important part of our lives and economy."

"This grant is very important as agritourism holds an increasingly larger significance for the Delaware Department of Agriculture and economy," said Congressman Mike Castle.  "Picking pumpkins and getting out to the farms throughout Delaware is a wonderful way for families in Delaware and the surrounding states to witness the industry firsthand and hopefully encourages its growth."

Delaware Secretary of Agriculture Michael Scuse said, "Helping promote agritourism in Delaware has been a high priority of mine ever since I became Secretary.  We have made significant strides in this arena in the last six years by helping our farms establish an Agritourism Association and providing DDA staff support for their efforts.  This grant and the matching state funds will enable the Association to improve their marketing and outreach efforts.  I want to thank Marlene Elliott and the USDA Rural Development for their on-going support of Delaware Agriculture.  It has been a pleasure to work with you and your staff in the past six years." 

DAA was 1 of 185 grants awarded that competed nationally in the USDA Rural Development Value Added Producer Grant Program. The program is designed to support farm families in rural America by helping them to market their commodities and increase their financial returns. Many of the members or independent producers that have joined DAA produce a value-added commodity that is part of their agritourism operation that makes this grant possible. For example, Loblolly Acres makes and sells wreaths and grave mounds with greenery from the farm. They also make and sell cornstalk bundles, painted pumpkins, strawberry jam and jelly from corn, pumpkins and strawberries grown on the farm.

"Compared to 100 years ago, very few Americans know families who work on a farm," said Marlene Elliott, USDA Rural Development State Director. "The Bush Administration is committed to reversing that trend because of the importance of keeping agriculture alive and well in this country." Altogether, USDA Rural Development provided $21.2 million in grant funds to support farming ventures that will add value to their commodity.

To learn more about the Delaware Agritourism Association and Fun on the Farm locations visit their website at www.defunonthefarm.org.

USDA Rural Development is committed to the future of rural communities. In fiscal year 2006 which closed on September 30^th, the agency returned over $53 million to rural Delaware. They have over 40 programs that support agriculture, business opportunities, home ownership, home repair, rental housing, broadband technology, public safety, health care, education, social and cultural needs and energy related projects. Additional information on rural programs is available by calling their State Office for Delaware and Maryland at (302) 857-3580 or by visiting their website at www.rurdev.usda.gov.

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