DOVER, DE — The Delaware Department of Agriculture recently announced the 28th round of easement selections by the Delaware Agricultural Lands Preservation, securing the future of 40 farms and 2,262 acres of farmland. This milestone marks a significant achievement for the Carney administration, which has now preserved 403 farms, the highest number in the program’s history.
“Investing in Delaware’s AgLands program allows us to protect Delaware’s agriculture heritage and the future of our number one industry while benefiting the greater environment,” stated Governor Carney. The program, initiated by the General Assembly in 1991 and supported by various governors, aims to safeguard Delaware’s agricultural landscape and ensure the viability of family farms.
The preservation program, administered by the Agricultural Lands Preservation Foundation, has evolved significantly since its inception. The foundation does not own the land but purchases development rights, placing permanent agricultural conservation easements on properties. Landowners voluntarily enter their farms into a 10-year preservation district, becoming eligible for permanent preservation in the subsequent year.
Governor Carney’s reinstatement of the Forestland Preservation Program in 2019 has also been pivotal. This program purchases forestland preservation easements, contributing to a sustainable forest system that benefits wildlife, the environment, and the timber industry. Since its revival, the program has secured 12 forestland easements on over 866 acres and temporarily preserved an additional 1,617 acres.
Secretary of Agriculture Michael T. Scuse emphasized the importance of the Forestland Preservation Program, noting its role in both environmental protection and economic support for landowners. The Delaware Forest Service, under Carney’s leadership, planted over one million trees from 2020 to 2024, enhancing the state’s forested areas and environmental health.
County governments have also played a crucial role, contributing over $715,000 to help purchase 18 easements in this round. Sussex County Council President Michael H. Vincent and Kent County Levy Court President Terry L. Pepper highlighted the program’s impact on preserving local agriculture and ensuring a sustainable environment for future generations.
The Delaware Agricultural Lands Preservation Foundation uses an impartial ranking system to select farms for easement purchase, ensuring taxpayer benefits are maximized. With over 155,486 acres in permanent easements and more than 47,300 acres in 10-year preservation districts, the program has made substantial progress since its first easement purchases in 1996.
Delaware farmers interested in preserving their farms must meet specific eligibility requirements, including zoning for agriculture, a minimum LESA score, and active farmland status. With 1,273 farms already preserved, the program continues to support the state’s agricultural heritage and environmental health.
This latest round of easement selections underscores the ongoing commitment to farmland preservation in Delaware, ensuring the protection of valuable agricultural resources for generations to come.
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