The Delaware Department of Agriculture (DDA) received an additional round of funding to enhance the competitiveness of Delaware-grown specialty crops through USDA’s Pandemic Assistance Program. USDA awarded each state department of agriculture an allocation based upon their most recent available value of specialty crop cash receipts and acreage of specialty crop production in the state. As a result, Delaware received an additional $465,433 under H.R. 133 – the Consolidated Appropriations Act (H.R. 133 Stimulus Funding) to distribute through a competitive grant process.

The Delaware Forest Service's 2021 VFA Grant program is open to all Delaware volunteer fire departments and can provide up to $4,500 in matching grants to acquire pumps, hoses, and equipment to respond to and suppress wildfires. More than $350,000 has been given to enhance wildfire response in the First State since the program's inception. Applications must be received by the Delaware Forest Service office by regular mail no later than June 20, 2021. No email submissions will be accepted.  Awards will be made within 7 business days so that awarded projects can begin. Details at de.gov/wildfire.

Recently, Delaware Secretary of Agriculture Michael T. Scuse took a road trip down to Sussex County to make a surprise presentation to a family farm in Laurel. Scuse recognized the Vincent Family for their commitment to Delaware through agricultural production and equipment sales, for providing gainful employment to community members, and for continuing to alleviate hunger through their participation in the USDA Farmers to Families Food Box Program.

The Delaware Department of Agriculture is warning all residents about two deadly species of hemlock recently found in Sussex County. Environmental scientists have confirmed the presence of poison hemlock (Conicum maculatum) and spotted water hemlock (Cicuta maculata). All parts of the plants – leaves, stems, flowers, and roots – are poisonous to humans and animals.

Delaware announced its 25th consecutive round of easement selections by the Delaware Agricultural Lands Preservation Foundation. With the preservation of 3,695 acres, Delaware has permanently preserved more than 143,000 acres of farmland for future generations.

A steady downward trend over the past five years in the landowner discounts of permanent agricultural conservation easements selected for purchase in Delaware shows it’s a great time for landowners to preserve their farms.

The Delaware Urban and Community Forestry Program has awarded $135,193 for 36 tree projects through its annual grant program, which offers up to $5,000 for projects on public land and community open space. All municipalities, homeowner associations, and certified nonprofits in Delaware can apply. Since it began, the program has provided over 588 grants for more than $1.86 million and planted more than 16,000 trees.

Public invited to enter trees they plant in new TEDI tracker NEW CASTLE, Del. – Governor John Carney on Tuesday launched a new program that aims to plant a tree for every Delawarean as part of the state’s efforts to reduce greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. This initiative was originally announced in Governor Carney’s 2020 State of […]

$2M in seed funding to stabilize and strengthen family farms and local food supply chain operations WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor John Carney, the Delaware Department of Agriculture, and the Delaware Council on Farm and Food Policy on Thursday announced a $2 million investment in seed funding to establish the First State Integrated Food System Program. This new […]

DOVER, Del. (February 23, 2022) – Testing has confirmed a case of avian influenza on a Delaware poultry farm that showed increased mortality over the past few days. Following an investigation by the Delaware Department of Agriculture, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Veterinary Services Laboratory has confirmed poultry from this farm have tested positive […]

Federal laboratory testing has confirmed a highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza (HPAI) case in a commercial broiler farm in Kent County, Delaware. Following an investigation by the Delaware Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Veterinary Services Laboratory confirmed poultry from this farm tested positive for highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza (HPAI).

WILMINGTON, Del. – Today, 30 food and agriculture groups released the sixth annual Feeding the Economy report, a historic farm-to-fork economic analysis revealing how these sectors influence the local and broader United States economies. Two years into the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s study highlights how the industries remained resilient to provide Americans with jobs, economic opportunity, and safe […]

To kick off Earth Week and National Volunteer Week, the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) hosted its 2022 DNREC Volunteer Awards ceremony Monday in Brandywine Park, Wilmington, alongside a Tree for Every Delawarean Initiative (TEDI) planting by Jobs for Delaware Graduates (JDG) youth volunteers.

State agencies and non-governmental organizations with 501(c)(3) status have until July 1 to submit funding request proposals for reforestation projects through the Tree for Every Delawarean Initiative (TEDI).

Five years after the first confirmed spotted lanternfly was found in New Castle County in 2017, the spotted lanternfly has made its way to Sussex County, creating a statewide quarantine for this invasive pest.

TOWNSEND, Del. (September 7, 2022) – Volunteers are needed to plant 2,000 hardwood seedlings along the Cypress Branch at Blackbird State Forest on Saturday, September 17 to provide scenic beauty, enhance wildlife habitat, fight invasive species, and improve water quality in the critical Chesapeake Bay Watershed. State Forester Michael Valenti said, “Planting trees is a […]

Delaware has been experiencing a significant increase in potbellied pigs running at large in residential and rural areas, including on state lands. Running at large, these pigs pose a nuisance to landowners, increase the threat of establishing feral pig populations, damage natural resources, and risk carrying endemic diseases that can spread to both people and animals.

Five projects will receive a combined $60,000 in grant funding for tree plantings as part of Delaware’s Tree For Every Delawarean Initiative (TEDI), the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control and initiative partners announced today.

The urban forestry grant program helps communities harness the numerous natural benefits of trees: cleaner air and water, energy savings, increased property values, civic pride, and reduced storm water runoff and flooding. Funding is provided by the U.S. Forest Service and state funds.

During the first day of Delaware Ag Week, the Delaware Department of Agriculture’s Nutrient Management Program Administrator Chris Brosch presented three honorees with the 2022 Delaware Environmental Stewardship Awards.

The Delaware Department of Agriculture (DDA) is accepting proposals for the 2023 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. The federal Farm Bill is allotting approximately $340,000 through a competitive grant process to fund innovative projects supporting specialty crops and creating new and better markets for the Delaware specialty crop industry. DDA will accept applications through March 24, 2023.

The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) and the Department of Agriculture (DDA) Forest Service are to celebrate World Wetlands Day today, Thursday, Feb. 2, by signing a cooperative agreement to manage and protect unique wetland communities that occur on state-owned forest, park and wildlife lands.

The Delaware Department of Agriculture (DDA) is accepting applications through May 1, 2023, for a new Poultry House Demolition Assistance Program announced today. The program provides cost-share assistance to remove old poultry houses past their useful life.

DOVER, Del. (May 11, 2023) – The Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) is partnering with the Delaware Department of Agriculture’s Delaware Forest Service (DFS) to plant over 12,100 trees in support of the Forest Initiative Fund (FIF). FIF was created by the DFS to help address water quality, air quality, and overall life for all […]

DOVER, Del. (May 19, 2023) – The Delaware Tree Stewards, housed under the Delaware Forest Service’s Urban and Community Program, is offering a four-session training, geared toward participants living in both New Castle County and Sussex County, Delaware. Participants will be equipped with skills to be able to work with neighbors, organizations and local public […]

FFA teams will square off against each other in the 2023 “Forestry Career Development Event (CDE),” a challenging test of tree identification skills, forestry tools and knowledge, and math-related abilities. Each team consists of four students who must answer both individual and team-based questions. This is the event’s sixteenth consecutive year.

Whether you are headed to the state fair from the city, suburbs, or our rural communities, the Delaware State Fair is a perfect opportunity to learn about agriculture, the state’s top industry.

The Delaware Department of Agriculture (DDA) announced they will be distributing $199,600 in relief funds through the Seafood Processors Pandemic Response and Safety (SPRS) Block Grant Program to eligible Delaware seafood processors, dealers, and processing vessels who were financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

DOVER, Del. (April 22, 2024) – The Delaware Forest Service hosted the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), Col. John Haslet Chapter in Dover, and other volunteers to establish a memorial plot dedicated to former State Forester Walter F. Gabel, who served in this role from 1974 to 1991. “We are excited about this DAR […]

Everyday across Delaware, thousands of firefighters serve their communities and protect the public by responding to not only fires but almost any emergency situation. Sunday, October 4 has been recognized by Congress as the day US and State flags are to be flown at half-staff in recognition of the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Day. Governor […]

Fourth annual report highlights State accomplishments WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor John Carney on Thursday released the fourth annual report of the Government Efficiency and Accountability Review (GEAR) Board. Governor Carney established GEAR by Executive Order in February of 2017 in order to identify ways for state government to operate more efficiently, improve the delivery of state services, and provide […]

As sign of respect for the service and sacrifice of the victims of the attack at the United States Capitol on Friday, April 2, 2021, President Biden ordered flags at all U.S. government buildings and facilities to be flown at half-staff until sunset on April 6, 2021. In concurrence with the President’s order, Governor Carney […]

Fifth annual report highlights State’s continuous improvement accomplishments WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor John Carney released the fifth annual report of the Government Efficiency and Accountability Review (GEAR) Board. Governor Carney established GEAR by Executive Order in February 2017 in order to identify ways for state government to operate more efficiently, improve the delivery of state services, […]

Seventh annual report highlights State’s continuous improvement accomplishments   WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor John Carney on Monday released the seventh annual report of the Government Efficiency and Accountability Review (GEAR) Board. Governor Carney established GEAR under Executive Order #4 in February 2017 to identify ways for State government to sustain its culture of continuous improvement […]

In a very daring, encouraging and so also a very pragmatic step, we see that none other than the Jaipur Bench of Rajasthan High Court while taking suo motu cognizance of the illegal constructions and encroachments on river beds and many other water bodies in a most learned, laudable, landmark, logic

It is definitely in the fitness of things that the Supreme Court in a most learned, laudable, landmark, logical and latest judgment titled Ramji Lal Bairwa & Anr vs State of Rajasthan & Ors in Criminal Appeal No. 3403 of 2023 (@ SLP (Crl.) No. 12912 of 2022) and cited in Neutral Citation No.: 2024 I

DOVER (Dec. 10, 2021) – On Thursday, Dec. 9,  2021, the Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) ordered a Millsboro man to cease tattooing activities in his home, in violation of Title 16 of the Delaware Code. Body art activities should only be performed in DPH-permitted facilities. Private residences are not properly equipped for these activities to […]

Starting Dec. 15, all requests for a homebound vaccination or booster will be filtered through a toll-free number – 1-888-491-4988 – to be assessed and scheduled. Live operators will staff the toll-free line from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays.

La agencia también lanza una campaña de marketing para animar a las personas con discapacidades y a las personas mayores a vacunarse WILMINGTON (14 de Diciembre de 2021) – El Departamento de Salud y Servicios Sociales (DHSS) lanzó hoy un número gratuito para que los habitantes de Delaware soliciten vacunas de COVID-19 para personas mayores […]

Delaware state agencies today officially moved to connect the Donovan Smith community in Lewes to municipal water and sewer, which is the pilot project of the Clean Water Initiative for Underserved Communities established by Gov. John Carney.

DOVER, DE (Dec. 17, 2021) – The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) today announced that it has confirmed the first four cases of the Omicron variant (B.1.1.529) among Delaware residents. The variant was detected today through routine sequencing of test specimens by the Delaware Public Health Laboratory. The four cases involve two adults in […]

DOVER, DE (Dec. 21, 2021) – The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) announced today that individuals vaccinated in Delaware will now have access to a QR code when downloading their COVID-19 vaccination record. The digital COVID-19 vaccination card now includes the QR code and is available through the DelVAX Public Portal, a site where those who were […]

NEW CASTLE (Dec. 22, 2021) Forty-eight individuals and 13 groups will be honored with the 2021 Governor’s Outstanding Volunteer Award during a virtual ceremony to be held at 7 p.m. Jan. 17, 2022. The recipients will be recognized for significant contributions, engagement and impact in diverse service activities. Throughout the month of December, staff members […]

NEW CASTLE (Jan. 10, 2022) — Due to challenges presented by recent increases in COVID-19 cases across the state, the State Office of Volunteerism has made the difficult decision to postpone the Virtual Ceremony honoring the 48 individuals and 13 groups selected to receive the 2021 Governor’s Outstanding Volunteer Award. The ceremony will now air […]

NEW CASTLE (Jan. 10, 2022) – With Delaware facing the coldest temperatures of the winter Monday and Tuesday nights, Code Purple is being declared across the state by the nonprofit and volunteer organizations that operate the shelters to keep people who are homeless safe during dangerous winter weather. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic and the […]

SMYRNA, DE (Jan. 19, 2022) – The Delaware Public Health Laboratory (DPHL) will nearly double in size to increase the capacity for routine and outbreak testing to accommodate advanced technical laboratory staff and the infectious disease epidemiology program. State leaders today held a groundbreaking for the expansion on the property of the Delaware Department of Health and […]

NEW CASTLE (Jan. 25, 2022) – Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) Secretary Molly Magarik today announced three leadership changes for the agency involving one division and one of the Department’s Deputy Secretary positions. The changes: Daniel Walker, who has served in leadership roles with the Wilmington City Council and a Wilmington-based nonprofit education […]

The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) will conduct a series of community health assessments to better understand the concerns and needs of Delaware communities during the COVID-19 pandemic and to improve the overall health in Delaware in the future.

NEW CASTLE (Feb. 21, 2022) – A Dover primary care office is expanding behavioral health services for LGBTQ individuals thanks to federal grant funding. A Peaceful Place Integrated Care is using the grant to support the addition of a certified drug and alcohol counselor, a licensed clinical social worker, and a peer navigator to help […]