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Secretary Ed Kee : (Don’t) Take the Land for Granted | How to (Not) Kill Your Community

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In this episode, Stuart Comstock-Gay speaks with former Delaware Secretary of Agriculture Ed Kee about the economic value of strong local agriculture, the role of immigration in farming, and the importance of balancing development with the needs of farming communities.

Ed Kee is a nationally and internationally recognized expert on vegetable science who has dedicated his career to Delaware agriculture. He was appointed by Governor Jack Markell as Delaware’s Secretary of Agriculture and served from 2009 to 2017. Before his tenure as secretary, Kee spent 30 years with the University of Delaware Cooperative Extension as an agricultural agent, state vegetable crops specialist, and agriculture program leader. He also served as director of agriculture for Hanover Foods Corporation. An accomplished author, Kee has written extensively on agricultural and historical topics, including the books “Saving Our Harvest: The History of the Mid-Atlantic Canning and Freezing Industry” and “Delaware Farming.”

About How to (Not) Kill Your Community: Delaware Community Foundation President & CEO Stuart Comstock-Gay gathers insights from remarkable experts across Delaware, each offering their perspective on what it takes to build and sustain thriving communities for the long haul.

About the Delaware Community Foundation: The DCF stands at the intersection of generosity and community transformation. It manages charitable funds, advises donors and grants to nonprofits to cultivate the future of philanthropy in Delaware. Our mission is to expand opportunity for all by helping individuals, families, businesses and organizations focus their generosity where it can create the greatest impact statewide. Through convening, connecting, providing leadership on important issues and investing in community needs, the DCF empowers Delawareans to build a stronger, more vibrant future. https://delcf.org/