DOVER, Del. – The Delaware Forest Service is looking to increase its wildfire crews for the upcoming season through training for new recruits. During the 2018 wildfire season, Delaware sent two full crews out to Colorado, Idaho, and Montana to be first responders. Interested recruits should be over 18 years old, physically fit, motivated, and […]

The Delaware Forest Service's Urban and Community Forestry Program will hold its 8th Annual Delaware Arborist and Tree Care Seminar on Wednesday, October 10, and Thursday, October 11, 2018 at the Delaware State Fair Exhibit Hall, 18500 S. DuPont Highway, Harrington. The event offers a wide range of topics for tree care workers as well as anyone who wants to ensure the health of their community trees. The event brings together a diverse blend of industry insiders, policymakers, tree care experts, and academic researchers who will incorporate classroom lectures, outdoor demonstrations and vendor exhibits to provide the latest updates on tree health issues and practical hands-on training. Attendees are eligible to earn continuing credits from the International Society of Arboriculture, Maryland Licensed Tree Expert, and Delaware pesticide certification.  The cost is $95 for two days with breakfast, lunch and snacks included each day. All major credit cards accepted. Attendees can sign up by clicking the “Online Registration” icon at http://delawaretrees.com

The Delaware Agricultural Lands Preservation Foundation voted to extended district enrollment until December 31, 2018 to any agricultural landowners who want to preserve their farms and still have the opportunity to submit an application for the upcoming round. Farms must be enrolled in a preservation district before the landowner can sell an easement.

DNREC’s Division of Watershed Stewardship Nonpoint Source Program is offering a free tree to Delaware residents in partnership with the Delaware Forest Service’s Urban and Community Forestry program within the Department of Agriculture.

Delaware Harness Racing Commission Executive Director, Mark Davis announced today that the Commission has named Brian Manges, Presiding Judge, and two Associate Judges, Norman Short and Brent McLaren, to the judges’ stand.

The Office of the State Veterinarian announced today Delaware’s fourth and fifth cases of West Nile Virus (WNV) found in horses in 2018. Three previous cases of WNV in horses were reported in 2018, two in August and one in September. Even though we are nearing the end of the mosquito season, the State Veterinarian urges horse owners to contact their veterinarians as soon as possible to have horses and other equines vaccinated against WNV and EEE. Neither disease has a specific drug treatment, and EEE infections in horses are fatal in 70 to 90 percent of cases, and WNV in 30 percent of cases.

Emerald ash borer (EAB), a destructive insect from Asia that attacks and kills ash trees, has been confirmed at two additional sites in Delaware: one near Middletown, New Castle County, and another near Seaford, Sussex County. Originally found in northern Delaware in 2016, the new detections create added urgency for homeowners and municipalities to determine if they have ash trees on their property and decide on possible management options. Current guidelines recommend the removal or treatment of ash trees if located within 15 miles of a known infestation. Because Delaware is geographically small and EAB can go undetected for years, residents are urged to educate themselves now and take action. For the latest information from Delaware's Department of Agriculture, residents are urged to go to de.gov/ashtrees

The Delaware Department of Agriculture honored four Delaware’s farm families for their continued commitment to farming the same land for a century or more. The Delaware Century Farm Program was established in 1987 to honor farming families who have owned and farmed their land for at least 100 years. The farms must include at least 10 acres of the original parcel or gross more than $10,000 annually in agricultural sales. Including this year’s inductees, the program has honored 143 farms throughout Delaware.

Dr. Robin Morgan was recognized Thursday evening at the 48th Delaware Agricultural Industry Dinner with the Secretary’s Award for Distinguished Service to Delaware Agriculture for her commitment to agriculture through education, research, and encouraging the next generation of agriculturalists.

The Delaware Forest Service's Arbor Day School Poster Contest is now accepting entries from Delaware students in grades K to 5 in all private, public, charter, and home schools. Winners will be selected from each county in the following grade categories: K, 1-2, 3-4, and 5. Awards will be presented at the State Arbor Day Ceremony with Governor John Carney.  This year’s theme – “Trees Are Terrific…in Cities and Towns!” – is designed to increase knowledge about the benefits of trees in our communities. The deadline to register is March 15 and the deadline to submit posters is March 29.

The Delaware Forestry Association’s 2019 Annual Meeting and Banquet will be Thursday, March 21 at the Felton Fire Hall. Highlights include the Delaware Tree Farm Committee's 2019 “Tree Farmer of the Year” Award and recognition of 25-Year Delaware Tree Farmers. The DFA is also offering its annual forestry scholarship. Application deadline is April 1. Details can be found at http://delawareforest.com

Photos are available for media use on Flickr. Dover, Del. – The Delaware Department of Agriculture (DDA) announced today that they are quarantining eleven zip codes in New Castle County to eradicate, control, and prevent the spread of spotted lanternfly in Delaware and to surrounding states. The spotted lanternfly is a destructive invasive plant hopper […]

Dover, Del. – The Delaware Department of Agriculture announced today that they have launched the Delaware Hemp Research Pilot Program in partnership with Delaware State University’s College of Agriculture and Related Sciences. “The research component announced today gives producers an opportunity to see if hemp is a worthwhile product for their farming operation,” said Secretary […]

The Delaware Department of Agriculture announced today that they are seeking applications for this year’s Specialty Crop Block Grant Program, with nearly $359,000 allocated to assist in increasing the competitiveness of Delaware-grown specialty crops. Applications will be accepted through April 22, 2019.

Delaware Thoroughbred Racing Commission Chairman, W. Duncan Patterson announced at the Commission meeting held today that two candidates had been selected for the position of Associate State Steward and Safety Steward.

Delaware celebrated Arbor Day in Dover, an annual occasion to highlight the many benefits of trees and encourage communities to plant more of them. The Delaware Forest Service hosted its annual Arbor Day Ceremony at Dover’s Schutte Park, honoring its school poster contest winners and recognizing Dover’s 30th Year as the First State’s longest-running Tree City USA. The event culminated with the planting of more than 30 large trees at six locations, including a zelkova on the historic Green on State Street. Delaware State University also held its Arbor Day event and celebrated its 8th consecutive year as Delaware’s only certified Tree Campus USA, followed by a ceremonial tree planting on campus.

The Delaware Urban and Community Forestry Program has awarded more than $92,000 for 24 tree projects throughout the First State. Over the past 15 years, the annual grant program has provided more than $1.5 million to help communities increase tree canopy and promote the natural benefits of trees: cleaner air and water, increased property values and civic pride, and reduced storm water runoff and flooding.

The Delaware Forest Service has published a new fifth edition of its popular "Big Trees of Delaware," a comprehensive list of the largest trees covering nearly 80 native and non-native species in the First State. Featuring full-color photos and high-quality illustrations of tree leaves, the book is available as a print edition at state forest offices, as well as an online PDF version to be downloaded or viewed on a web browser.  There is no cost for the book.

Delaware Grown Week – a campaign highlighting the fruits, vegetables, and value-added agricultural products produced in The First State – officially launched with a kick-off event at the Rehoboth Beach Farmers’ Market including Secretary of Agriculture Michael T. Scuse, state legislators, and other officials.

DOVER, Del. — Emerald ash borer (EAB), a destructive insect from Asia that attacks and kills ash trees, has been confirmed in Newark, Delaware. Originally found in northern Delaware in 2016, recent infestations were confirmed in both Middletown and Seaford in November 2018. Current guidelines recommend the removal or treatment of ash trees if located […]

DOVER, Del. – The Delaware Department of Agriculture (DDA) Food Products Inspection was granted statutory authority on June 11, 2019 to enforce compliance with the Produce Safety Rule in the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA). The Food Safety Modernization Act is a proactive approach to prevent foodborne illnesses by strengthening the food supply. These regulations, […]

Governor John Carney announced that more than 134,000 acres of Delaware farmland are now permanently preserved for future generations. This is the 23rd consecutive year of easement selections by the Delaware Agricultural Lands Preservation Foundation. Many of the farms in this round would not have been preserved without matching funds from multiple sources, including the […]

DOVER, Del. — The countdown is on for many Delaware youth and adult exhibitors as they get ready to showcase their agricultural exhibits at this year’s Delaware State Fair. Along with rides, food, and games, the state fair is a great opportunity for fair-goers to learn more about agriculture – Delaware’s top industry. “By far, […]

DOVER, Del. – The Delaware Aglands Foundation Board announced that they will institute a rolling application process for their Young Farmer Loan Program to offer young farmers more flexibility in acquiring a farm. Delaware farmers, between 18 and 40 years old have the opportunity to apply for the Young Farmers Loan Program. The program provides […]

The Delaware Forest Service (DFS) is accepting applications for its lottery to award state forest permits for the 2020 turkey hunting season, which begins April 11, 2020 and ends on May 9, 2020. A special one-day hunt for youth and non-ambulatory disabled hunters occurs on April 4, 2020. No Sunday hunting is allowed. State forest turkey permits are issued for one of four season segments: A (4/11-4/17), B (4/18-4/24), C (4/25-5/1), or D (5/2-5/9).

DOVER, Del. – The Delaware Department of Agriculture (DDA) announced today that they expanded the spotted lanternfly quarantine to include all portions of New Castle County north of the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal. This is due to recent detections of established populations outside of the initial quarantine zone enacted in February 2019 that included eleven […]

The Delaware Forest Service's urban and community forestry program will hold the 9th Annual Delaware Arborist and Tree Care Seminar on October 22 and 23, 2019 at the Delaware State Fairgrounds Exhibit Hall in Harrington. While targeted to tree care industry professionals, the event is open to the public and anyone who wants to create healthier communities through trees.  The cost is $100 for both days (includes lunch on the first day only and snacks). All major credit cards accepted. The agenda covers one full-day session on Oct. 22 and one half-day session on Oct. 23. Attendees can learn the latest developments in tree care through lectures by academic and industry experts, outdoor demos, and vendor exhibits featuring the latest equipment and technology. Learn more at http://delawaretrees.com

The Delaware Forest Service has dispatched a Type 6 engine and crew to the Nantahala National Forest in North Carolina. The unit will provide resource and readiness capability as a combination of drought, fuel moisture, and weather conditions have created above average potential for increased wildfire activity across the Southern Region. Delaware's crew consists of Sam Topper of Maryland, a senior forester with the Delaware Forest Service, and Adam N. Keever of Newark, a conservation technician with DNREC's Division of Parks & Recreation. This is the first assignment of 2019 for the Delaware engine crew.

The Delaware Department of Agriculture has partnered with the Delaware Electric Cooperative to launch a new irrigation grant program to help Delaware farmers install environmentally friendly irrigation systems.

The Delaware Forest Service is looking for motivated recruits to enroll in wildfire training classes starting in February at the Delaware Department of Agriculture, 2320 S. DuPont Highway, Camden, DE. There is no cost for training and no previous experience needed. Candidates must be over 18 years of age, willing to learn, physically fit, and able to travel for at least two weeks at a time, usually in the summer months. Attendance at all classes is required for prospective wildland firefighters to achieve “red card” certification from the National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG). Students can register by filling out the online registration form by January 31, 2020. Complete details are at http://de.gov/wildfire.

The Delaware Department of Agriculture honored five Delaware farm families for their continued commitment to farming the same land for a century or more. The Delaware Century Farm Program was established in 1987 to honor farm families who have owned and farmed their land for at least 100 years. The farms must include at least 10 acres of the original parcel or gross more than $10,000 annually in agricultural sales.

Governor Carney declares Delaware Agriculture Week January 13 through January 17, 2020 DOVER, Del. – Governor John Carney and the Delaware Department of Agriculture on Thursday announced Delaware farmers’ markets hit an all-time high sales record of $3.28 million in 2019. The announcement comes during the 15th Annual Delaware Agriculture Week held at the State Fairgrounds in Harrington, a week-long conference that covers […]

Delaware Secretary of Agriculture Michael T. Scuse recognized long-time Delaware State University Department Chair Dr. Richard Barczewski with the Secretary’s Award for Distinguished Service to Delaware Agriculture. With thirty-five years of dedicated service, Barczewski was recognized for developing Delaware’s agricultural industry though educating generations of agriculturalists, promoting animal agriculture, and service to agricultural organizations, including 4-H and FFA.

The Delaware Department of Agriculture announced today that the USDA approved the state plan submitted for the Delaware Domestic Hemp Production Program. Delaware is now the second state on the East Coast to receive approval to administer a domestic hemp program.

Following up on the recent announcement of USDA’s approval of Delaware’s Domestic Hemp Production Program, the Delaware Department of Agriculture released their registration materials online Friday, February 7.

Agency: OMB Closing Date: 6/29/2020

Agency: NAT Closing Date: 5/20/2020

Agency: LGL Closing Date: 6/15/2020

COVID-19 is truly a global health issue affecting everyone and causing concern for you, our customers. As we all continue to navigate the uncertainty of this outbreak, SAS is committed to supporting your business as a valued partner and will ensure continuity of service. We created this guide to address [...]

Frequently asked questions related to COVID-19 and SAS customer support was published on SAS Users.

An analysis of SC judgments in Veluswamy case [AIR 2011 SC 479] and IndraSarma case [AIR 2014 SC 309] reveals that not all live-in relationships are to be deemed as a “relationship in the nature of marriage” u/s 2(f) of the DV Act. The wider interpretation of the term is aimed at welfare of unmarried women in live-in relationships who are left estranged or abused; but not at promoting adulterous relationships. The benefits provided under the Act are to be interpreted harmoniously, not violating penal provisions of adultery. Since, the applicant admitted the existence of her first marriage, negating the possibility of a legal marriage between the two contesting parties, revision was dismissed stating no “domestic relationship” subsists between them.

Statewide flu totals in Delaware decreased for the third week in a row, according to the Division of Public Health (DPH). During the week ending March 10, DPH reports 290 laboratory-confirmed flu cases, down from the prior week’s total of 381 confirmed cases. The latest numbers increase the total number of influenza cases for the season to 7,433. DPH is also reporting one additional flu-related death, a 62-year-old female from New Castle County with multiple underlying health conditions, bringing the number of flu-related deaths for the 2017-2018 flu season to 31.

NEW CASTLE (March 27, 2018) – The annual Volunteer Delaware Conference, the state’s leading conference for organizations and individuals making a difference in their communities through volunteerism, is set for April 30 in Dover. Presented by the Delaware State Office of Volunteerism (SOV) and the Delaware Association of Volunteer Administrators (DAVA), the conference will feature […]

NEW CASTLE (April 10, 2018) – In the wake of a dozen overdoses in Camden, N.J., including four that were fatal on Friday, Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) Secretary Dr. Kara Odom Walker is urging people in active substance use in Delaware to be aware of the increased possibility that heroin could be […]

The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) is advising Delawareans of a multistate outbreak of E. coli infections linked to chopped romaine lettuce from the Yuma, Arizona, growing region. The lettuce could be contaminated with Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli O157:H7 and could make people sick. To date, there have been no confirmed cases reported in Delaware, but DPH urges consumers to take precautions to prevent illness.

The number of prescriptions for opioid medications in Delaware, as well as the total quantity of opioids dispensed, have dropped significantly in the 12 months since the Department of State enacted stricter prescribing regulations to help combat the opioid crisis statewide.

Delaware will hold its 16th Drug Take-Back Day on Saturday, April 28, 2018, to help reduce the risk of prescription medications being diverted for misuse. Delawareans can discard their expired or unused medications at 24 locations statewide between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Vibha Sanwal, MD, from Rainbow Pediatrics of Georgetown & Lewes, has been named a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Childhood Immunization Champion for her outstanding efforts to promote childhood immunizations in her clinic offices. The Division of Public Health’s nominated her for the award.

NEW CASTLE (May 3, 2018) – Ranking in the bottom half of states in a variety of health measures, including adults who smoke, annual diabetes treatment testing, and adults who are obese, Delaware fell four spots in The Commonwealth Fund’s 2018 Scorecard on State Health System Performance released today. Delaware ranked 22nd among all the […]

Event held during the celebration of Public Service Recognition Week, May 6-12, 2018. WILMINGTON, Del. (May 11, 2018) —Governor John Carney and Cabinet members celebrated Public Service Recognition Week by applauding the extraordinary work of Delaware’s public servants. Awards for exemplary efforts in service to the State of Delaware were presented at the Governor’s Awards […]

Op-ed by Rick Geisenberger, Secretary of the Delaware Department of Finance Over the next several weeks, as we complete another budget debate in Dover, we should not lose sight of Delaware’s long-term challenges and of one issue in particular: the rising cost of health care. The projected growth rate for state spending on health care […]