3.11.2008

By RUTH ANN MINNER

(Editor’s Note: The following is the text of the remarks delivered by Gov. Ruth Ann Minner at the Delaware Governor’s Conference of Agriculture held at the Dover Sheraton on Feb. 29.)

First, I want to thank our many partners in the community, especially the University of Delaware, who have helped us succeed in our continuing efforts to sustain and grow our vital agriculture industry for the future.
The theme for today’s event is “Global Leadership in Agriculture,” and I can’t think of a more pertinent topic to discuss as we see our agricultural impact expand regionally, nationally and globally.
In the past seven years, Delaware agriculture has faced challenges in many areas, but together we have met these challenges and grown our prospects for the future. Today, I would like to touch on some of the successes we have accomplished together.
Though less than one percent of our residents are farmers, agriculture remains Delaware’s largest industry with more people and money than any other industry. Our future depends on the wealth we produce from the land; therefore, our efforts have been to keep agriculture viable locally, increase its economic output, and enhance net farm income.
To illustrate the impact, let’s review the facts. Traditional agriculture, combined with the equine industry, brings the total economic impact of Delaware agriculture to more than a billion dollars. And Delaware ranks first in the nation in agricultural production value per farm and per acre, as well as net farm income per acre.
That’s not all we have to brag about. As you know, Delaware has a nationally recognized farmland preservation program.
As of Dec. 31, we had enrolled 960 farms totaling 147,246 acres, and 484 of those farms have been permanently preserved at a value of more than $140 million.
Our farmland preservation achievements mean we are sustaining our agricultural economy and providing a sufficient amount of land base to attract agriculture-related businesses to Delaware.
We also have a successful forestland preservation program, which we started in June 2006. This program has already approved or is in the process of approving more than 25 applications with over 2,000 acres, which will be eligible to permanently preserve by the beginning of 2009.
Preserving forestland provides important wildlife habitat and will ultimately help our poultry industry — the linchpin of our agricultural economy — by ensuring a supply of sawdust for the poultry houses.
We have also seen an increase in the quality and quantity of products being brought to our local markets in the past seven years. In 2001, our markets were not growing significantly and were declining in some areas.
We renewed our commitment to expanding and developing new markets locally, domestically and internationally. We initiated new marketing programs, such as “Grown Fresh with Care in Delaware” and “Made Fresh with Care in Delaware,” which encourage consumers to buy local products. And, I am proud to report that we have improved our methods for sharing our products and developing innovative ways to increase our farmers’ bottom line.
We are also fortunate to have an internationally recognized biotechnology institute in our state. The next generation of biotech crops, many with direct benefits for consumers, are right around the corner. With the support of the Delaware Biotechnology Institute, which is housed at the University of Delaware, our agriculture is on the cutting edge of the future of biotechnology.
In the past seven years, we have also seen significant growth in our equine industry. For example, we now have seven graded stakes, which demonstrate the high caliber of horses that race at Delaware Park.
And, our Certified Thoroughbred Program has grown to include almost 2,000 eligible horses and 63 farms, which are enrolled in a program that promotes stabling of horses in Delaware. As you know, horse racing provides many jobs and ancillary income to the state.
Meeting today’s environmental challenges has also been vital to the sustainability and growth of our agriculture industry.
During the last seven years, we have consistently met our agriculture-related environmental challenges because our farmers are true stewards of the land.
Today, we have the best nutrient management program in the country because of the cooperation of our farmers, the University of Delaware, our state agencies, and our agricultural industry. We also have a pesticide container recycling program for growers and commercial applicators, with the plastic processed into items such as field drainpipes, marine pilings and pallets to create a full cycle of use for these valuable petroleum-based products.
On an international level, we also have much to be proud of. I was pleased last April to announce with John Wise, president of Mountaire Farms, that Delaware had signed a trade agreement with Cuba for container loads of Delaware chickens to be shipped to Cuba beginning in May.
As our agricultural community becomes increasingly involved in international markets, I am confident that Delaware’s industry and farmers will meet the demand with the quality of products and service that the world has grown to expect from the First State.
In my final year as your governor, I want to thank all of you for your part in growing and fostering our agricultural industry. Not only have you risen to the challenge we set for you seven years ago, but you have far exceeded it. I understand the hard labor and dedication you give to performing your daily duties, and on behalf of all Delawareans, I thank you.