The Delaware Department of Agriculture provides financial assistance, grants, and loans for a variety of projects and activities, including:

 

Delaware Agricultural Financing Program (DAFP)

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The Delaware Department of Agriculture (DDA), in partnership with the Division of Small Business, launched the Delaware Agricultural Financing Program (DAFP). Delaware farmers, producers, and food processors actively engaged in crop, livestock, aquaculture, and/or food production are eligible to apply. Low-interest equipment loans will be available for supporting activities, including production, processing, packaging, aggregation, and distribution for small and large operations.
 

Farmland Preservation Assistance

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The Department of Agriculture administers the Aglands Preservation Program where landowners can voluntarily sell the development rights for their farm through a permanent conservation easement.

The Department also administers the Young Farmers Loan Program which helps young farmers acquire farmland through a long-term, no-interest loan.

 

First State Food System Program

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The Delaware Council on Farm & Food Policy application period is currently closed. It will accept applications from entities that grow, process, store, transport, distribute, or sell food in Delaware. These funds will enable local entities to address challenges and stabilize, strengthen, and build resilience in our food system. A well-functioning food supply chain moves Delaware-grown food products from farmland and indoor grow sites to market outlets, households, and consumers. When the application period is open apply online through the DCF Application Portal.

 

Forestry Assistance

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Urban Forestry Grants: The Delaware Forest Service (DFS) offers grants annually to communities and civic associations throughout the state for tree planting and management projects on publicly owned lands. These communities must match these grants with nonfederal funds and/or in-kind services (volunteer time, staff time, etc.).

Forest Landowner Cost Share Program: This Program provides cost-share assistance to landowners for a variety of forest management activities, including reforestation, prescribed fire, herbicide application, and pre-commercial thinning administered by the Delaware Forest Service, in cooperation with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service

 

Nutrient Management Assistance

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Nutrient Management Plan Cost-Share Assistance Program provides cost-shares for farmers to develop nutrient management plans to meet the regulations of Delaware’s Nutrient Management law.

Nutrient Management Relocation Program provides funding to help transport excess manure to alternative-use projects or farms needing nutrients.

 

USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant

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The Department’s Marketing section manages the Specialty Crop Block Grant to enhance the competitiveness of Delaware’s specialty crop industry through research, education and/or marketing. The law defines specialty crops as “fruits and vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits and horticulture, and nursery crops, including floriculture.”

 

What Do I Need to Know to Receive Funds?

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Always check the requirements of the program for which you are applying. If you receive funding from the Delaware Department of Agriculture, applicants must complete a W-9 form online (https://esupplier.erp.delaware.gov/) before receiving payment.