Qing Xu, Sylvie Huet, Eric Perret and Guillaume Deffuant: The drivers of conversion to organic farming, which is still a residual choice in agriculture, are poorly understood. Many scholars argue that farm characteristics can determine this choice but do not exclude the role of social dynamics. To study this issue, we developed an agent-based model in which agents' decisions to shift to organic farming are based on a comparison between satisfaction with the current situation and potential satisfaction with an alternative farming strategy. A farmer agent’s satisfaction is modelled using the Theory of Reasoned Action. This makes it necessary to compare an agent's productions over time with those of other agents to whom the former attributes considerable credibility (“important others”). Moreover, farmers make technical changes that affect their productions by imitating other credible farmers. While we first used this model to examine simple and abstract farm populations, here we also adapted it for use with data from an Agricultural Census concerning the farm characteristics of dairy farming in 27 French “cantons”. Based on domain expertise, data and previous research, we propose certain laws for modelling the impact of conversion on the farm production of milk and the environment. The simulations with “real” populations of farms confirm the important impact of farm characteristics. However, our results also suggest a complex impact of social dynamics that can favour or impede the diffusion of organic farming through dynamic implicit networks of similarity and credibility. We confirm the great importance of demographic changes in farm characteristics.

Katarzyna Growiec, Jakub Growiec and Bogumił Kamiński: We study the impact of endogenous creation and destruction of social ties in an artificial society on aggregate outcomes such as generalized trust, willingness to cooperate, social utility and economic performance. To this end we put forward a computational multi-agent model where agents of overlapping generations interact in a dynamically evolving social network. In the model, four distinct dimensions of individuals’ social capital: degree, centrality, heterophilous and homophilous interactions, determine their generalized trust and willingness to cooperate, altogether helping them achieve certain levels of social utility (i.e., utility from social contacts) and economic performance. We find that the stationary state of the simulated social network exhibits realistic small-world topology. We also observe that societies whose social networks are relatively frequently reconfigured, display relatively higher generalized trust, willingness to cooperate, and economic performance – at the cost of lower social utility. Similar outcomes are found for societies where social tie dissolution is relatively weakly linked to family closeness.

Myong-Hun Chang and Joseph Harrington: The dynamics of social stigma are explored in the context of diffusion models. Our focus is on exploring the dynamic process through which the behavior of individuals and the interpersonal relationships among them influence the macro-social attitude towards the stigma. We find that a norm of tolerance is best promoted when the population comprises both those whose conduct is driven by compassion for the stigmatized and those whose focus is on conforming with others in their social networks. A second finding is that less insular social networks encourage de-stigmatization when most people are compassionate, but it is instead more insularity that promotes tolerance when society is dominated by conformity.

Volker Grimm, Steven F. Railsback, Christian E. Vincenot, Uta Berger, Cara Gallagher, Donald L. DeAngelis, Bruce Edmonds, Jiaqi Ge, Jarl Giske, Jürgen Groeneveld, Alice S.A. Johnston, Alexander Milles, Jacob Nabe-Nielsen, J. Gareth Polhill, Viktoriia Radchuk, Marie-Sophie Rohwäder, Richard A. Stillman, Jan C. Thiele and Daniel Ayllón: The Overview, Design concepts and Details (ODD) protocol for describing Individual- and Agent-Based Models (ABMs) is now widely accepted and used to document such models in journal articles. As a standardized document for providing a consistent, logical and readable account of the structure and dynamics of ABMs, some research groups also find it useful as a workflow for model design. Even so, there are still limitations to ODD that obstruct its more widespread adoption. Such limitations are discussed and addressed in this paper: the limited availability of guidance on how to use ODD; the length of ODD documents; limitations of ODD for highly complex models; lack of sufficient details of many ODDs to enable reimplementation without access to the model code; and the lack of provision for sections in the document structure covering model design rationale, the model’s underlying narrative, and the means by which the model’s fitness for purpose is evaluated. We document the steps we have taken to provide better guidance on: structuring complex ODDs and an ODD summary for inclusion in a journal article (with full details in supplementary material; Table 1); using ODD to point readers to relevant sections of the model code; update the document structure to include sections on model rationale and evaluation. We also further advocate the need for standard descriptions of simulation experiments and argue that ODD can in principle be used for any type of simulation model. Thereby ODD would provide a lingua franca for simulation modelling.

Flaminio Squazzoni, J. Gareth Polhill, Bruce Edmonds, Petra Ahrweiler, Patrycja Antosz, Geeske Scholz, Émile Chappin, Melania Borit, Harko Verhagen, Francesca Giardini and Nigel Gilbert: The COVID-19 pandemic is causing a dramatic loss of lives worldwide, challenging the sustainability of our health care systems, threatening economic meltdown, and putting pressure on the mental health of individuals (due to social distancing and lock-down measures). The pandemic is also posing severe challenges to the scientific community, with scholars under pressure to respond to policymakers’ demands for advice despite the absence of adequate, trusted data. Understanding the pandemic requires fine-grained data representing specific local conditions and the social reactions of individuals. While experts have built simulation models to estimate disease trajectories that may be enough to guide decision-makers to formulate policy measures to limit the epidemic, they do not cover the full behavioural and social complexity of societies under pandemic crisis. Modelling that has such a large potential impact upon people’s lives is a great responsibility. This paper calls on the scientific community to improve the transparency, access, and rigour of their models. It also calls on stakeholders to improve the rapidity with which data from trusted sources are released to the community (in a fully responsible manner). Responding to the pandemic is a stress test of our collaborative capacity and the social/economic value of research.

The State of Delaware was one of just five states recognized by the U.S. Department of Energy for its leadership in the first year of the Better Buildings Challenge.

Governor Jack Markell unveiled a balanced budget proposal that promotes increased job and educational opportunities, supporting the theme of his State of the State address last week when he focused on ways to unleash the potential of all Delawareans.

State of Delaware offices in Kent and Sussex counties are closed during regular business hours 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Non-essential employees who live or work in Kent or Sussex County are not to report to work for this period. Essential employees are to report as scheduled. State of Delaware offices in New Castle County will open at 10 a.m. Non-essential employees who live or work in New Castle County do not report until 10 a.m. Essential employees are to report as scheduled.

Twenty-seven state employees were recognized for their acts of bravery.

American and Delaware flags at state buildings and facilities are to remain lowered to half-staff until Monday, December 8, to recognize Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day.

State of Delaware offices in New Castle County and Kent County will open at 10 a.m. Non-essential employees who live or work in New Castle County or Kent County do not report until 10 a.m. Essential employees are to report as scheduled. More Information

To honor the life and legacy of President Abraham Lincoln and in concurrence with an order issued by President Obama, Governor Markell has ordered both the U.S. and Delaware State flags be lowered to half-staff on Wednesday, April 15, 2015.​

The Delaware Office of State Planning Coordination announces the release of the draft 2015 Strategies for State Policies and Spending Update.

Governor Markell has ordered the American and Delaware flags lowered on Thursday, October 22, in honor of Family Court Judge Alan N. Cooper and his many years of public service to the State of Delaware.

Governor Markell has ordered the American and Delaware flags lowered in honor of U.S. Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia.

Dover – Today, the State of Delaware announced that it appears as No. 56 on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) National Top 100 list of the largest green power users from the Green Power Partnership. Delaware is using nearly 122 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) of green power annually, which represents 40 percent of its total […]

Governor Carney has ordered both the U.S. and State flags to be flown at half-staff in memory of City of Dover Police Corporal Thomas Hannon. Corporal Hannon, a 12 year veteran with the Dover Police Department, passed away as a result of complications from an injury sustained while on duty. Flags are to remain at […]

State employees, members of the public can submit ideas for cost savings, improvements across state government WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor Carney on Thursday announced the launch of a website for the Government Efficiency and Accountability Review Board, gear.delaware.gov, to identify opportunities for cost savings and system improvements across state government. In February, Governor Carney signed Executive […]

“Responsible Investment” plan advances priorities outlined in State of the State including public education, state workforce DOVER, Del. – Governor Carney on Thursday presented his Fiscal Year 2019 Recommended Budget, sending the General Assembly a balanced $4.2 billion financial plan that will make important investments in Delaware’s economy, workforce, and public schools – while ensuring […]

Federal tax incentives available for qualifying investments in Opportunity Zones DOVER, Del. – Governor John Carney announced on Thursday that communities and economically-distressed properties across Delaware could see additional private sector investment after 25 census tracts were designated as Opportunity Zones by the U.S. Department of the Treasury. Earlier this month, Governor Carney nominated the […]

The Delaware Office of State Planning Coordination (OSPC) is proud to unveil our redesigned website Friday, August 31, 2018. This redesign improves the way information is delivered to citizens, developers and municipal stakeholders. A key objective of the redesigned site is to enable users to access our information from any device (PC, mobile phone, or […]

Board presents recommendations across focus areas to improve efficiency and accountability in state government WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor John Carney on Thursday released the second annual report of the Government Efficiency and Accountability Review (GEAR) Board. Governor Carney established GEAR by Executive Order in February 2017 to identify ways for state government to operate more […]

 On May 14, 2019 Senate Bill 7 was signed by Governor John Carney which formally creates the Delaware Population Consortium (DPC). The DPC has prepared, without formal designation, a unified set of statewide population projections annually since 1975. This new legislation formalizes the DPC, identifies its membership and work products, and requires that all counties, […]

With the passing of former U.S. Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens, President Trump has ordered U.S. flags at all government buildings and facilities be flown at half-staff the day of his interment, Tuesday, July 23rd as a mark of respect for the memory of Justice Stevens and to honor his service to our country. […]

Andhra Pradesh Legislative Council Act 2005

Moratorium under the Insolvency And Bankruptcy Code

Airports Economic Regulatory Authority of India Act 2008

Relaxation in adherence to prescribed timelines issued by SEBI due to COVID 19

UPDATE: This event will take place at Kent County’s Brecknock Park – all other details are the same. For directions: click here   “Forestry for the future” – Students to test forestry skills at Brecknock Park on June 25. Contact: Ashley Peebles, 302-698-4551 ashley.peebles@delaware.gov Who:     – Delaware school chapters of the Future Farmers of America (FFA) and […]

A new nuisance plant pest that can consume certain row and vegetable crops - including lima beans and soybeans - has been confirmed in Delaware. The kudzu bug was recently found on pole lima beans on a Sussex County farm. Delaware Secretary of Agriculture Ed Kee said growers should be on the alert and report any suspected infestations, while noting there are pesticides that can be used to protect crops.

Visitors to the Delaware State Fair can learn how to cook Japanese foods, carve a chicken, eat healthy on a budget and make a watermelon banana split – all in one place, at the Department of Agriculture’s Education Building. Starting Friday, July 19, DDA and its partners will offer a lineup of free food and cooking demonstrations every day of the fair.

Highlighting two paths to the future for Delaware agriculture, Governor Jack Markell and Secretary of Agriculture Ed Kee welcomed a group of young Wilmington urban farmers and an international trade delegation to the Delaware State Fair.

A team of Delaware volunteer firefighters who have been battling a blaze in Utah for the past week are now headed to a new assignment in the Payette National Forest near McCall, Idaho. According to Delaware state forester Michael Valenti of Dover, who is traveling with the team, Delaware's crew will be traveling over 500 miles from Utah to Idaho on August 20, and then begin its first operational period on August 21.

Governor Markell signed House Bill 160 to permit shellfish aquaculture in Delaware's Inland Bays, allowing the state to reap the economic benefits of a multimillion dollar industry while improving water quality in the bays.

A Kent County horse has tested positive for West Nile Virus, the Department of Agriculture announced today. The horse, which is recovering well, is Delaware's first confirmed equine case of West Nile Virus since 2003, said Delaware State Veterinarian Dr. Heather Hirst, who urged equine owners to get their horses vaccinated.

A second Delaware horse has tested positive for West Nile Virus, but has recovered. The two-year-old filly from Sussex County is the state’s second confirmed case of West Nile Virus since 2003. Delaware’s first equine case of West Nile Virus this year was diagnosed in Kent County in August; that horse has also recovered.

A horse from Sussex County has tested positive for Eastern Equine Encephalitis, a mosquito-borne disease, the Delaware Department of Agriculture announced today.

Delaware’s farming future and long agricultural heritage were both recognized today in a ceremony honoring the newest participants in the state’s Young Farmers Program and the latest inductees into the Century Farm Program, with the announcement that 10 young farmers would be receiving no-interest loans from the First State’s new innovative assistance program, now in its second year.

The Delaware Department of Agriculture's marketing team has been honored by the Delaware Food Industry Council for its work connecting farmers and grocers.

Photos are available for media use on Flickr. DOVER – Delaware’s community farmers’ markets set a new sales record in 2013, with shoppers buying more than $2.1 million in fresh produce and other goods, the Department of Agriculture said Tuesday. Gov. Jack Markell and Secretary of Agriculture Ed Kee announced the news at an annual […]

Delaware farmers produced a record $1.2 billion worth of crops and livestock in 2012, according to Census of Agriculture data released Thursday, showing how First State agriculture is thriving and succeeding despite economic challenges, state leaders said.

The Delaware Forest Service's 2014 Arbor Day Poster Contest is now open to all Delaware students in grades K to 5. Public, private and home schools are encouraged to participate as well as after-school groups and youth organizations. Posters are due by April 4th, 2013. This year's poster contest theme - "Trees are Terrific…In Cities and Towns!" - is dedicated to the important role that trees play in our communities and schoolyards.

Delaware growers are the first on the East Coast able to take advantage of a new online tool that helps protect sensitive crops from pesticides that may drift due to wind or weather. Delaware is the newest participant in the DriftWatch program, which allows growers of certain crops or commercial beekeepers to alert pesticide applicators of sensitive areas before they spray.

The Delaware Forest Service has announced the winners of its annual Arbor Day School Poster Contest with a theme of "Trees are terrific... in cities and towns!" This year's statewide winner is Isabella Garber, a fifth-grader at Christ the Teacher School in Newark. Her poster was judged the best overall on the following qualities: artistic expression, originality, neatness, and use of theme. Complete archive of winners at delawaretrees.com.

The acting executive director of the Delaware Harness Racing Commission has been named to the post permanently. Mark Davis, the Delaware Department of Agriculture’s deputy principal assistant and policy advisor, had been acting director since September 2013 after previously serving as a liaison to the harness racing industry.

Homebrewers from around the region can compete in Delaware’s premier home-brewed beer competition, the Fourth Annual Battle of the Brews at the Delaware State Fair. The July 19 event is a Beer Judge Certification Program-sanctioned event, where certified judges will rate and rank the work of home-brewing enthusiasts, sponsored by the Delaware Department of Agriculture.

The Delaware Forest Service Urban and Community Forestry Program is accepting applications for its 2014 grant program from municipalities, homeowner associations, and certified 501(c)(3) non-profit groups in Delaware. Grants range from $1,000 to $5,000 for either tree planting or tree management projects and require a 50-50 cost-share match in cash or in-kind services. Projects must be performed on public land and only one project in one category by each applicant is permitted. Applications will be judged on a competitive basis by a committee of the Delaware Community Forestry Council. Deadline for submission is September 15, 2014.

High-resolution images on Delaware Forest Service’s Facebook Photo Album DOVER – The Delaware Forest Service has sent a second wildfire crew to the western United States as 41 active large fires are burning over 700,000 acres across five western states, with most concentrated in California, Oregon, and Washington, with 10 each. So far this year, […]

The Delaware Forest Service plans to conduct a prescribed fire on 74 acres west of U.S. Route 113 near the Town of Frankford, Sussex County. The burning could begin as early as Monday, October 27, though officials estimate the date might be closer to mid-week. The actual date of ignition will depend on local weather and fuel conditions.

The Delaware Forest Service's Urban and Community Forestry Program is awarding over $47,000 in competitive grants to fund 14 community-based tree projects in all three Delaware counties. This year, more than half of the successful projects - a total of $29,429.35 - addressed tree management issues such as the removal of hazardous trees. Overall, 11 projects were funded in New Castle County, one in Kent County, and two in Sussex County.