Since 2007, the Historic Lewes Farmers Market (HLFM) has awarded scholarships to small-scale Delmarva farmers to attend sustainable farming conferences including the following: PASA Farming for the Future Conference, Future Harvest CASA Conference, and Mid-Atlantic Fruit and Vegetable Conference.
This year, the HLFM awarded three scholarships. A scholarship from the regular scholarship fund went to Henry Bennett, Bennett Orchards, Frankford, Delaware to attend the Southeast Fruit and Vegetable Convention.
In 2016, the Historic Lewes Farmers Market established an emerging women farmers’ scholarship fund in memory of Delaware farmer Debra L. Schaefer. This year, two farmers received a Debra L. Schaefer Scholarship for Emerging Women Farmers: Patricia King, 6 Kings Farm, Bishopville, Maryland, will attend the Future Harvest CASA conference, and Lisa Clow, Beachdog Farm, Georgetown, Delaware, will attend the Maryland Organic Food and Farming Association Annual Winter Meeting.
Consistent with its mission, HLFM is committed to supporting farmers and emerging farmers who grow local fruits, vegetables, produce, and other foods. These scholarships help small Delmarva farmers become better educated about sustainable farming practices. For more information about the Historic Lewes Farmers Market and their farmers’ scholarship program, visit their website at historiclewesfarmersmarket.org, email info@10.150.138.55, or call 302-644-1436.