Supporters: Alcohol a natural fit at Del. markets
Peggy Raley-Ward has always been an advocate for change.
In 1993, she opened Delaware's first winery. But not before successfully amending state laws regarding the production and resale of wine.
"I changed the rules," she said.
Since the early 1990s her Lewes winery, the Nassau Valley Winery, has paved the way for all other wineries and breweries in Delaware.
"I created the structure for Sam (Calagione) to change the beer laws two years later, in order to open up Dogfish Head," she said about the owner and president of the craft brewery based in Milton.
Raley-Ward once again hopes to see change to the state's legislation regarding alcohol sales and consumption. She is in favor of a new House Bill that aims to allow state wineries, breweries, microbreweries and craft distilleries to offer 1-ounce tastings, as well as sell their products for off-site consumption, at farmers markets and other agricultural-themed events.
"I think it's a fantastic idea," she said. "It would allow the state's key industry players to showcase what they have to offer, as well as allow Delaware to show off a completely different side of the region's agriculture."
Several other farmers markets around the country have already adopted the idea.
According to the National Farmers Market Directory, alcohol can be sold legally at more than 800 farmers markets, including ones in Maryland, Virginia, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and New York.
Pat Coluzzi, marketing manager of the Rehoboth Beach Farmers Market, is also in favor of the bill. She believes it would help draw more potential customers.
"People would be able to get everything they need at the market," she said. "They would be able to buy everything local, from vegetables and cheese to meat and wine to pasta and beer. Besides it being convenient for the shopper, it'll be incredibly beneficial for our economy."
While Calagione pointed to the fact the language isn't yet finalized, he said Dogfish will look to work with legislators and the Alcoholic Beverage Control agency to move the bill forward.
"It is safe to say we are generally in favor of this legislation. It keeps the small entrepreneurial, local companies viable in industries generally dominated by international conglomerates and it ties our agricultural and entrepreneurial communities closer together," he said in an email.
The bill was referred out of the state legislature's Agriculture Committee on Jan. 20. In a unanimous vote by eight of the 11 members, the group recommended the bill be reviewed "on its merits," meaning without a favorable or unfavorable opinion by the committee.
The bill has a number of sponsors from Sussex County, including Rep. Ruth Briggs King (R-Georgetown) and Rep. Daniel Short (R-Seaford). Another supporter is Sen. Ernie Lopez (R-Lewes), who hopes it will pass in time for the upcoming spring season.
"I don't see why it wouldn't," he said. "I see only benefits from this proposal. It's a wonderful way to help our local economies and continue the success of our local markets."
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, 22 Delaware towns have active community-run farmers markets in operation at least once a week.
Such markets are taking the country by storm, Lopez said, "in the best possible way."
After 18 years of steady increases, the number of farmers markets across the country now registered with the USDA is well over 8,000. In 1994, there were about 1,500.
Raley-Ward believes the growth in popularity for farmers markets is due to recent surges in the "buy local, eat local" and whole foods movement.
"People are now, more than ever, watching what they eat," she said. "They want to fuel their bodies with healthy foods and they want to know where those foods are coming from. And I believe the same is true for alcohol."
On Twitter @hcarroll_1 and Facebook at Facebook.com/byhannahcarroll
302-537-1881, ext. 209