Photo Release: Rep. McBride Hosts Inaugural Agriculture Summit in Harrington

Harrington, DE — Today, Congresswoman Sarah McBride (DE-AL) hosted her inaugural Agriculture (“Ag”) Summit in Harrington, convening Delaware farmers, agricultural leaders, industry stakeholders, and community partners for a wide-ranging discussion on investing in Delaware’s farmers, boosting the ag economy, and supporting the future of agriculture in Delaware.

Today’s Ag Summit provided an opportunity for farmers and stakeholders to share feedback that will inform Rep. McBride’s work in Washington as Congress considers the next Farm Bill reauthorization and other legislation impacting rural communities.

“Agriculture is the backbone of Delaware’s economy and we need to do all we can to ensure it isn’t just supported, but strengthened,” said Rep. McBride. “As Congress works toward reauthorizing the Farm Bill, it’s critical that Delaware farmers have a seat at the table. Today’s summit was about listening directly to the voices of the Delawareans who know this industry, its challenges, and the work best.”

Agriculture is foundational to Delaware’s economy and remains the state’s leading industry, supporting thousands of jobs and contributing significantly to the state’s economic vitality. The discussion focused on a range of priorities including the reauthorization of the Farm Bill, strategies to boost Delaware’s agricultural economy, and policies to support the next generation of farmers. Attendees highlighted the economic pressures, including inflation, overproduction in grain markets, tariffs, and rising input costs—including fertilizer and insurance.

Workforce challenges were also an area of concern, with farmers citing labor shortages and the need to invigorate vocational training and agricultural education pipelines. Participants also touched on the impact of environmental issues, specifically extreme weather and the threat of avian flu, both of which threaten long-term sustainability.

In discussing the Farm Bill reauthorization, Rep. McBride reaffirmed her commitment to continuing congressional bipartisanship and close collaboration with Delaware’s agricultural community to ensure federal policies reflect the needs of local farmers and producers. 

“Durable agricultural policy requires balancing priorities and finding pragmatic, bipartisan solutions,” McBride said. “Today’s conversation reminded me how deeply personal this work is, and I am proud to bring their perspectives with me to Washington.”

Throughout her time in Congress, Rep. McBride has championed policies to support Delaware’s agricultural sector. In 2025, she introduced the bipartisan SAVE Our Poultry Act, legislation aimed at protecting poultry producers and strengthening biosecurity—a key priority for Delaware’s poultry production. 

Participants included representatives and leaders from the Delaware Department of Agriculture, Delaware Farm Bureau, Farm Journal Foundation, Delaware Department of Agriculture, University of Delaware, Corteva Agriscience, New Castle Conservation District, Delaware Standardbred Owners Association, Inc., Remembrance Farm, Delaware Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association, Delaware State University, Food Bank of Delaware, Little Wagon Produce, The Delmarva Farmer, and the Delmarva Chicken Association.

McBride was also joined by several members of the Delaware General Assembly including State Representatives Claire Snyder-Hall, Alonna Berry, and Lyndon Yearick as well as State Senators Russ Huxtable, Kyra Hoffner, and Dave Wilson.

“Delaware farmers are innovators, small business owners, and the heart of our communities,” continued Rep. McBride. “At a time when farmers are facing real economic, workforce, technological, and environmental challenges, it’s critical that their voices shape the decisions we make in Washington. Strengthening our ag economy, supporting family farms, and ensuring the next generation can continue this proud tradition is essential to Delaware’s future. Today’s summit represents an important step in centering perspectives from up and down the First State.”

Photos from the Ag Summit can be found here.

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