A new farmer thrives thanks to this Delaware farmers market

      Posted On: November 2, 2016

Rob’s display at the Historic Lewes Farmers Market

When Rob Dick owned a restaurant in Rehoboth Beach, MD,  he enjoyed meeting customers and operating a very successful business. But he was struck by the mediocre food delivered to his kitchen, and the lack of fresh food from local farmers.  He wanted to find a better way to offer more delicious, locally-farmed produce – preferably organic – to his customers.

Then he met Bob Russell—a custom produce grower who farmed 2.5 acres near Milford, DE. Like a grandfather, Bob took Rob under his wing, bestowing the invaluable knowledge Rob needed to begin farming on his own. From that knowledge sprang Totem Farms, just three years ago.  

Although Rob faced many challenges as a first generation farmer, he learned to grow produce that his customers at the Historic Lewes Farmers Market rave about. For Rob, the farm is not only a way of life, but a life filled with the heart and soul of growing high quality food in a sustainable way.

“I am forever grateful to Bob for showing me a way to create a brighter future for all of us, and I am especially grateful to the Lewes Market for selecting Totem Farms to sell produce in their producer-only market. Only through these opportunities has the ability for me to grow my business been possible.“

The Historic Lewes Farmers Market was one of the first to become a member of the Farmers Market Coalition (FMC), ten years ago. FMC’s resource center and user-friendly tools were there to guide the founders of the Lewes Market, helping them create the very first producer-only market in Delaware. With FMC’s support, thousands of farmers markets like Lewes have become successful nationwide, helping more farmers like Rob cultivate a thriving livelihood in agriculture.

But to continue to grow our nation’s farmers markets and small farmers, FMC also needs your support. That’s why I’m asking you to make an investment in FMC today, and help us reach our end of year goal of $10,000. Your donation will enable FMC to bring a brighter future to beginning farmers, like Rob, whose livelihood counts on farmers markets to survive.

As FMC’s board president and also as a beginning farmer myself, I can assure your generous donation matters. Together, we can secure the future for our next generation of farmers.

With gratitude,

Bernadine (Bernie) Prince
FMC President and Farmer, Blue Skies Farm Delaware

P.S. Donate $50 or more by Sunday, November 6, and be entered for a chance to win FMC’s official I ‘Heart’ Farmers Markets t-shirt!