[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 40 (Thursday, March 18, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E415]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING MR. DAVID HOPKINS

                                 ______
                                 

                     HON. C.A. DUTCH RUPPERSBERGER

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 18, 2010

  Mr. RUPPERSBERGER. Madam Speaker, I rise before you today to honor 
Mr. David Hopkins, recipient of the Harford County Agricultural Pioneer 
Award. Hopkins owns and operates a local produce stand, providing 
Harford Countians with fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables.
  Hopkins, a third generation farmer, was introduced to the direct-to-
consumer produce business in the 1970s, when he and his brother worked 
for a local produce stand. In the 1980s when that stand closed, the 
Hopkins family began to sell produce from their farm. With the 
determination of Hopkins, his family produce stand flourished and the 
Hopkins family was able to build a pavilion to house the stand. In 
2004, the produce stand was so successful they were able to sell the 
dairy cows.
  In 2009, Hopkins assisted with Harford County's ``Buy Local'' 
campaign by allowing the Division of Agriculture to have its logo and 
slogan painted on the side of his barn. Hopkins continues to operate 
his stand with the help of his family, including his brother Daniel and 
son Aaron, who is continuing the family's farming legacy by studying 
Agriculture at the University of Delaware.
  Madam Speaker, I ask that you join with me today to honor Mr. David 
Hopkins, Harford County's Agricultural Pioneer of the year. The 
achievements of Mr. Hopkins produce stand should be a model to local 
businesses within Harford County.

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