Delaware Agricultural Lands Preservation Announces 28th Round of Easement Selection

DOVER, DE — The Delaware Department of Agriculture recently announced the 28th round of easement selections through the Delaware Agricultural Lands Preservation, securing the future of 40 farms and 2,262 acres of farmland. This milestone represents a significant achievement for the Carney administration, which has now protected 403 farms, the highest number in the program's history.

“Investing in Delaware's AgLands program allows us to protect Delaware's agricultural heritage and the future of our most important industry while benefiting the environment as a whole,” said Governor Carney. The program, created by the General Assembly in 1991 and supported by various governors, aims to protect Delaware's agricultural landscape and ensure the viability of family farms.

The conservation program, administered by the Agricultural Lands Preservation Foundation, has evolved significantly since its inception. The foundation does not own the land, but acquires development rights and places permanent agricultural conservation easements on properties. Landowners voluntarily place their farms under a 10-year conservation easement and are eligible for permanent conservation the following year.

Also critical was Governor Carney's reinstatement of the Forestland Preservation Program in 2019. This program acquires forest conservation easements that contribute to a sustainable forest system that benefits wildlife, the environment, and the timber industry. Since its revival, the program has secured 12 forest conservation easements covering over 866 acres and temporarily protected an additional 1,617 acres.

Agriculture Secretary Michael T. Scuse emphasized the importance of the Forestland Preservation Program, citing its role in both protecting the environment and providing economic support to landowners. Under Carney's leadership, the Delaware Forest Service planted over one million trees from 2020 to 2024, improving the state's forest cover and environmental health.

County governments have also played a critical role, contributing over $715,000 to purchase 18 easements in this round. Sussex County Council President Michael H. Vincent and Kent County Levy Court President Terry L. Pepper emphasized 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 evaluation system to select farms for easement acquisition, ensuring taxpayer benefits are maximized. With over 155,486 acres in permanent easements and more than 47,300 acres in 10-year conservation easements, the program has made significant progress since its first easement purchases in 1996.

Delaware farmers who wish to preserve their farms must meet certain eligibility requirements, including an agricultural zone, a LESA minimum, 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 selection underscores the ongoing commitment to preserving agricultural lands in Delaware and ensures the protection of valuable agricultural resources for generations to come.

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