Agricultural entrepreneurs who want to produce certain foods in their on-farm kitchens can receive food safety training and become certified under Delaware law at an upcoming workshop. The eight-hour Food Safety for Entrepreneurs program will be Saturday, Feb. 28, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Department of Agriculture offices near Camden, 2320 South DuPont Highway.

Agricultural entrepreneurs who want to produce certain foods in their on-farm kitchens can receive food safety training and become certified under Delaware law at an upcoming workshop.

A special exhibition of Delaware’s agricultural heritage is receiving strong support from the Delaware business community. The Century Farm art exhibition will open at the Delaware Agricultural Museum & Village in Dover from May 1 – June 30, with a special public reception on May 14, 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Two Delaware racing officials have been named chairman and secretary of the Organization of Racing Investigators, which represents racetracks, regulatory agencies and law enforcement involved in upholding the integrity of horse racing.

The 2015 Delaware farmers’ market season opens this week, kicking off another great local growing season after a record-setting 2014. "A taste of Delaware is available at any local farmers' market or farmstand, where First State families can buy directly from our state's farm families," said Secretary of Agriculture Ed Kee.

Delaware horse racing contributed more than $182 million to the state's economy in 2014, supporting the equivalent of more than 1,500 full-time jobs, according to an economic impact study released today.

A team of 20 wildland firefighters under the direction of the Delaware Forest Service is working with 1,165 personnel currently battling the Fork Complex, a group of lightning-caused fires near Hayfork, California that totals 11,862 acres but is only 7 percent contained. Kyle Hoyd, the Delaware Forest Service's assistant forestry administrator, summarized the crew's effort: "We did a burnout with two engine teams on the Peak Fire off of a dozer line and put hand line around several structures in the same area." Earlier in the week, Hoyd reported that "everyone is doing well" but the "fire is in steep terrain with multiple hazards."

A wildfire crew led by the Delaware Forest Service is near completion of a two-week assignment on the Fork Complex Fire, a 28,736-acre blaze near Hayfork, California in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest. Almost 2,400 personnel are battling the fire that is currently 26 percent contained. The Fork Complex is one of several large wildfires in Northern California that together cover more than 223,000 acres, one of the major factors that prompted the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) to increase its National Preparedness Level today to the maximum of 5 on a 5-point scale.

Delaware farmers' markets broke through another record last year, surpassing $3 million in sales, demonstrating the continued interest in local foods and farm-fresh products.

The Delaware Forest Service (DFS) is seeking trainees for its annual wildfire training classes at the Delaware State Fire School. No previous experience needed. Applicants should be over 18 years old, physically fit, motivated, and willing to travel for at least two weeks (usually during the summer) on out-of-state fire assignments. Interested candidates should contact Kyle Hoyd, DFS Wildland Fire Program Administrator at (302) 698-4548 or kyle.hoyd@state.de.us to register. The deadline to sign up is February 17, 2016.

Agricultural entrepreneurs who want to produce certain foods in their on-farm kitchens can receive food safety training and become certified under Delaware law at an upcoming workshop.

"Trees are Terrific...and Forests are Too!" That's the theme of the Delaware Forest Service's 2016 Arbor Day Poster Contest, which is open to all children in grades K to 5 in Delaware public, private, home, and charter schools. After-school programs and youth groups are also eligible. The deadline for poster submission is April 8, 2016. For more information, email contest coordinator Ashley Peebles at ashley.peebles@state.de.us or call 302-698-4551. Winners will receive a $25.00 gift card, a ceremonial tree planting held at the winner's school, and an invitation to the State Arbor Day Ceremony (attended by the Governor).

With a record season behind them, Delaware's farmers' markets are gearing up for another great year. Twenty-three community-run farmers' markets will be opening over the next three months, selling Delaware produce and other farm-fresh goods.

More than $300,000 in federal grant funding is now available for projects to help produce, market or access Delaware-grown fruit, vegetables and certain other crops. The Delaware Department of Agriculture is accepting applications for the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program through June 3.

The Delaware Forest Service’s 21st Annual Fire Camp will be held on Saturday, April 23, 2016 at Redden State Forest from 6:45 a.m. to 5 p.m. The intensive, one-day seminar is the capstone of the agency's wildfire training program to certify its emergency firefighters to meet National Wildfire Coordinating Group standards. In addition to completing an arduous "work capacity test" - which involves carrying a 45-pound pack over a three-mile course in less than 45 minutes - crew members will receive hands-on instruction in several key areas: wildfire suppression techniques, how weather affects fire behavior, crew mobilization and teamwork, water pump and chainsaw usage, and culminating with a “live” controlled burn fire situation.

A total of 15 municipalities, homeowner associations, and nonprofits will receive almost $40,000 for community tree projects from the Delaware Forest Service's 2016 Urban and Community Forestry Grant Program. The program's goal is to increase tree canopy, beautify community spaces, and promote the benefits of trees. In addition, the Delaware Forest Service also funded $10,799 in grants for tree planting projects within the Chesapeake Bay Watershed, an effort to improve water quality by mitigating storm water run-off and reducing erosion and sedimentation.

More than 120,000 acres of Delaware farmland are now permanently preserved for future generations, state officials announced today, marking the 20th anniversary of the state's preservation program. With 17 farms on 2,245 acres entering the latest round of the program, the new milestone means that 24 percent of First State farmland is now preserved for perpetuity.

State officials hope a new addition at the Blackbird Forest Education Center in Townsend will become a "hive of activity" as its occupants get "busy as bees" teaching visitors about the natural environment, the valuable role bees play in crop pollination and honey production, and how forests and flowering tree species can contribute to bee health and well-being. “Trees for Bees” is the theme of the 10th “National Pollinator Week” (June 20-26, 2016). The 2016 theme highlights the many natural benefits that flowering native tree species such as tulip tree (Liriodendron tulipifera), black willow (Salix nigra), northern catalpa (Catalpa speciosa), flowering dogwood (Cornus florida), and maples (Acer spp.) can offer to foraging bees.

The Delaware Forest Service (DFS) has awarded $22,000 in grants to eight volunteer fire companies to purchase equipment to fight wildfires and improve their wildfire readiness and capabilities. In the past 10 years, the DFS has provided 122 grants totaling more than $288,000 to volunteer fire companies through its Volunteer Fire Assistance Grant Program, funded by the U.S. Forest Service.

A destructive, invasive beetle that kills ash trees, the emerald ash borer (EAB), has been confirmed in Delaware, making it the 28th state to have found the insect. The statewide impact is expected to be minimal, as ash trees make up only around two percent of Delaware's tree stock and the state has been preparing for more than a decade. State forestry and plant health officials are providing advice to homeowners, municipalities and civic groups at de.gov/ashtrees.

Participants in Delaware's Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program can now use special coupons to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables at 11 Delaware farmers' markets under a pilot program beginning this week.

West Nile Virus and Eastern Equine Encephalomyelitis both spread by mosquitoes DOVER – Delaware horse owners are being advised to make certain their equines’ vaccinations are current to protect against the threat of two potentially fatal diseases. Unvaccinated horses suffer most severely from both West Nile Virus and Eastern Equine Encephalomyelitis, which are spread by […]

Delaware is sending its second wildfire crew of the summer to the Great Basin region. Responding to a spike in wildfire activity in the West that has increased the National Fire Preparedness Level to 4 on a 5-point scale, Delaware has joined forces with neighboring Mid-Atlantic states (New Jersey, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Ohio) to dispatch five crews, a total of 100 firefighters, to battle fires in the Great Basin. The crews departed Harrisburg, PA for Salt Lake City on August 25. Delaware is now assigned to the Henry's Creek Fire near Idaho Falls, Idaho.

The 6th Annual Delaware Arborist and Tree Care Seminar will be November 2 and 3, 2016 from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Delaware State University, 1200 N. DuPont Highway, Dover. Sponsored by the Delaware Forest Service Urban and Community Forestry Program, the seminar includes classroom lectures, hands-on training, and vendor exhibits offering the latest knowledge and best management practices on tree care, health, and tree worker safety. Continuing education credits for International Society of Arboriculture certification, Tree Care Industry Association and its Certified Tree Care Professional program, Delaware pesticide licensing, and Maryland Licensed Tree Expert certification will be offered. Major sponsors for the 2016 event include Delaware State University, Delmarva Power and Rainbow Scientific. Cost is $95 with lunch included both days.

The Delaware Invasive Species Council (DISC), a non-profit organization dedicated to limiting the introduction and spread of non-native and invasive plant and animal species, has adopted an election year theme for its annual meeting and conference on Oct. 19 at the Delaware Agricultural Museum in Dover (866 N. DuPont Highway, Dover, DE 19901). This year's conference agenda will explore the ways that land and natural resource managers, conservationists, and others that want their voices heard are keeping up with the fight on invasive species by voting them out! Registration opens at 8:30 am and the conference will kick off at 9:00 am. Lunch and an annual membership are included in the registration fee of $40.00.

Organizations wanting to launch or expand an urban agriculture or community garden project to benefit their neighborhood can apply for micro-grants from the Delaware Department of Agriculture.

Gov. Jack Markell has presented the Order of the First State to two noted Delaware agricultural leaders and public servants, Bob Garey of Felton and Bill Vanderwende of Bridgeville.

Brothers Keith and Richard Carlisle, who have been farming near Greenwood since the 1960s, were jointly honored for their service and contributions Thursday evening, presented with the Secretary's Award for Distinguished Service to Delaware Agriculture.

Delaware Secretary of Agriculture Michael T. Scuse today announced the appointment of Austin Short and Kenny Bounds as deputy secretaries of agriculture.

The Delaware Forest Service is closing a picnic pavilion and adjacent parking lot at Redden State Forest due to persistent criminal activity at the site, located on the Jester Tract at Camp Road and Redden Road north of Georgetown, Sussex County. Designed by Delaware’s first state forester William S. Taber and constructed by conservation work crews in 1936, the rustic pavilion has now become a magnet for lewd conduct, drugs, and other offenses that have occasionally startled and kept away other visitors. While agency officials have no specific timetable for reopening, they plan to use the closure period for renovations and security upgrades that could again allow for public access at the site.

The Delaware Forest Service (DFS) is offering up to $4,500 in grants to help fire companies in the First State improve their readiness and ability to fight wildfires. The deadline is May 1 and the form is available on-line. Funded by the U.S. Forest Service, the Volunteer Fire Assistance (VFA) program has provided more than 120 grants worth almost $300,000 to Delaware volunteer fire companies over the past 10 years. All grants require a 50-50 cost-share match and priority will be given to applicants that have not received funding in the past three years.

Agricultural entrepreneurs who want to produce certain foods in their on-farm kitchens can receive food safety training and become certified under Delaware law at an upcoming workshop jointly sponsored by the University of Delaware Cooperative Extension and the Delaware Department of Agriculture. The eight-hour “Food Safety for Entrepreneurs” program presented by Dr. Sue Snider of the University of Delaware will take place Saturday, March 25, at the Delaware Department of Agriculture, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Nearly $300,000 in federal grant funding is now available for projects to help increase the competitiveness of Delaware-grown specialty crops. The Delaware Department of Agriculture is accepting applications for the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program through May 15, 2017.

The Delaware Forest Service (DFS) has unveiled a new online tool that uses geographic information systems (GIS) software to help cities, towns, and neighborhoods to measure and increase their community tree canopy percentage. The link is: de.gov/treecanopy Developed by the Delaware Department of Agriculture's GIS specialist Jimmy Kroon, the tool covers the entire First State: municipalities as well as homeowner associations and neighborhoods can assess their current level of tree cover as a starting point to explore opportunities to plant new trees and maintain their existing ones.

U.S. Senator Thomas R. Carper joined public officials and schoolchildren to observe "Delaware Arbor Day" at Dover Air Force Base, which celebrated its 25th Year as a Tree City USA. The last Friday in April is commemorated as Arbor Day in the First State, an occasion to encourage tree planting and highlight the numerous benefits that trees provide: cleaner air and water, natural beauty, valuable wood products and food, reduced storm water runoff, and improved property values. The ceremony also honored the winners of the Delaware Forest Service's annual school poster contest and included a ceremonial tree planting of an American holly (Ilex opaca), Delaware's state tree.

The Delaware Forest Service's urban and community program has awarded $58,409 in grants to 22 municipalities, HOA's, and nonprofits to fund planting and management projects to improve tree canopy on public lands and open space in the First State. Over the past 10 years, the program has funded more than $1 million in community-based tree projects in Delaware. Funded by the U.S. Forest Service, Delaware's Urban and Community Grant Program is open to all municipalities, community associations, and certified 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations within the State of Delaware. Funds can only be utilized on public property owned by the municipality, HOA, or nonprofit organization. Grants can range from a minimum of $500 to a maximum of $5,000 in one of two project categories: tree planting or tree management. All applications require a 50-50 cost-share match in either cash or in-kind services within program guidelines.

“I am proud to announce the largest round of Delaware farmland permanently preserved through the Delaware Agricultural Lands Preservation Program in the last several years. This is a result of federal funding from the Natural Resources Conservation Service and funding from both New Castle County and Kent County,” said Delaware Secretary of Agriculture Michael Scuse. More than 124,000 acres of Delaware farmland are now permanently preserved for future generations, with 3,039 acres of easements selected into the state’s preservation program.

The Delaware Department of Agriculture is urging farmers to participate in the two major mid-year surveys, the June Agricultural Survey and the June Area Survey, conducted by USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS). NASS will survey nearly 400 farmers across Delaware to determine crop production and supply levels in 2017. “As an $8 billion industry, agriculture plays a major role in Delaware’s economy,” said Secretary of Agriculture Michael Scuse. “The information that our farmers provide is critical to helping everyone – from fellow farmers to lawmakers to extension professionals – make decisions that will impact our industry. It is critical that NASS has the most accurate data, so I urge Delaware farmers to participate in the June Surveys.”

Governor John C. Carney, Jr. and Secretary of Agriculture Michael T. Scuse celebrated the 90th anniversary of the Delaware Forest Service and honored the wildfire crew that just returned from two weeks battling blazes in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains. The crew, which left the First State on July 8 and returned on July 23, first tackled the 700-acre Wilson Fire near Meeker, Colorado – started by lightning on July 7. The firefighters then moved on to the Grizzly Fire before finishing up on the Dragon Fire – located just south of Rangely, Colorado. Delaware’s team included 17 state and federal firefighters from Delaware and three from West Virginia. "The Forest Service has done unbelievable work over 90 years," Governor Carney told the audience. "As we celebrate 98 years of the Delaware State Fair, we've got a lot of other milestones that are happening, including the recognition of Delaware's state forestry service for 90 years of operation and their tremendous work."

Late summer coincides with peak mosquito season, which brings an increased risk of mosquito-borne diseases such as West Nile Virus (WNV) and Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) for humans, but also for horses. “Owners are encouraged to talk to their veterinarian about having their horses vaccinated against these viruses,” said Delaware State Veterinarian Dr. Heather Hirst.

The Office of the State Veterinarian today announced the Delaware's first case of West Nile Virus (WNV) in a horse in 2017. This is the first confirmed case of WNV in a horse in Delaware since 2015.

Delaware Secretary of Agriculture Michael Scuse is reminding farmers to complete the small grain production survey that has been sent out to nearly 300 producers by the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS). The agency is taking a comprehensive look into the 2017 production and supply of small grains, which include wheat, oats, barley, and rye. 

The Delaware Forest Service is seeking new recruits for its upcoming wildfire training classes at the Delaware State Fire School (1461 Chestnut Grove Road, Dover, DE 19904). No previous experience is needed. Candidates should be over 18, physically fit, motivated to learn, and willing to travel for at least two weeks (usually during the summer) for out-of-state fire assignments. This year’s training will take place over two separate weekend sessions: The first is on October 21 and 22 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. each day (lunch included). The second is on November 4 and 5 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. each day (lunch included). The cost for each session is $50. Register by October 16 by contacting the State Fire School at (302) 739-4773 or email: fire.school@state.de.us.

The Delaware Forest Service's urban and community forestry program will hold its 7th Annual Delaware Arborist and Tree Care Seminar—a one and a half-day event on October 30 and 31, 2017 at the Delaware State Fairgrounds Exhibit Hall. Speakers include tree care experts, policymakers, and academic researchers who will incorporate classroom lectures, outdoor demonstrations, and vendor exhibits to cover tree pest and disease issues, tree care management, and best practices in worker safety and pesticide use. Attendees can earn continuing education credits toward International Society of Arboriculture and Maryland Licensed Tree Expert certifications, as well as Delaware pesticide credits. Cost is $95 for both days (meals and snacks included). To register, go to delawaretrees.com. For more information, email Kesha.Braunskill@state.de.us.

The Delaware Department of Agriculture announced today that seven projects received grant funding through USDA’s Specialty Crop Block Grant program. Delaware received nearly $300,000 to enhance the competitiveness of Delaware grown specialty crops, defined as fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture and nursery crops (including floriculture).

Beginning in December, farmers in Delaware and Maryland will have the opportunity to make a positive impact on their communities and industry by taking part in the 2017 Census of Agriculture. Census data are used by all those who serve farmers and rural communities from federal, state and local governments to agribusinesses, trade associations, researchers, and many others.

Fifer Orchards recognized for their overall contribution to agriculture at the Delaware Agricultural Industry Dinner on Thursday evening were presented with the Secretary’s Award for Distinguished Service to Delaware Agriculture.

The Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control and the Department of Agriculture have proposed new regulations expanding the scope of legal possession of firearms within Delaware’s state parks, state wildlife areas and state forests.

Media: Photographs are available for use on Flickr. DOVER, Del. – Delaware celebrated the second highest farmers’ market season with more than $3 million dollars in sales in 2017. Both residents and visitors of the state continue to buy locally because of the fresh, high quality products that Delaware’s farm families grow. “These numbers are […]

DNREC and Department of Agriculture will conduct a joint public hearing Monday, March 12 on proposed regulations for possessing firearms in Delaware’s state parks and wildlife areas and state forests.