Division of Small Business

Delaware Department of Agriculture

Specific Need: Operations Market Development Access to Capital | Target Population: Age-Based | Service Area(s): New Castle Kent Sussex Outside Delaware Wilmington | Industry: Agriculture Small Business | Business Stage: Expanding Established Start-up

Listen

About this Organization

The Department of Agriculture (DDA) is an executive agency headed by a cabinet secretary appointed by the governor. The DDA is responsible for sustaining and promoting agriculture industries throughout the state. It provides services to support agriculture, promote best agricultural practices, encourage increased agricultural production, protect the environment, grow business, and ensure safe and sustainable practices. Agriculture is one of the primary industries in the state and makes up a significant portion of the state's economy. The DDA is responsible for ensuring that agriculture continues to be an economic driver in the state and that Delaware's potential for economic prosperity through the agriculture industry continues to grow and expand.

Programs

Additional Services

Wood Utilization and Marketing: Working with the U.S. Forest Service to ensure that wood harvested from Delaware forests is fully utilized as timber products or for energy production.

Commercial Forest Plantation Act Property Tax Exemption

Provides landowners a property tax exemption for forests managed for timber production.

Delaware Rural Irrigation Program (DRIP) Revolving Loan Fund

A no-interest loan fund for farmers adding new irrigation systems. The fund aims to increase irrigated farmland in the state by partnering with private lending institutions to provide farmers with capital to increase output.

Food Safety Audit Cost-Share Program

Assists Delaware fruit and vegetable growers with covering the expenses of a third-party food safety audit ensuring compliance with industry regulations and standards.

Forest Legacy Program (FLP)

Protects forest lands to ensure they can continue to be used to produce forest products such as timber.

Speciality Crop Block Grant Program

A grant aimed at increasing the competitiveness of Delawareâ€™s specialty crops for individuals, producer groups, and organizations prioritizing food safety, enhancing crop capacity, pest/disease control, and improving food access for underserved communities.

Young Farmers Loan Program

Helps young farmers acquire farmland by offering long term, no-interest loans.

Delaware-Department-of-Agriculture_150x150

Contact this Organization

Primary Contact

Stacey Hofmann

Website

https://agriculture.delaware.gov/

Address

2320 South Dupont Highway
Dover, DE
19901

Phone

302-698-4542

Social Media

Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn

Dover Office:
99 Kings Highway,
Dover, DE 19901
(302) 739-4271

Wilmington Office:
820 N. French Street,
Wilmington, DE 19801
(302) 577-8477

business@delaware.gov

The Delaware Division of Small Business, part of the Delaware Department of State, is a service-focused agency committed to supporting businesses starting and growing in Delaware. Small businesses can reach out to the Division for assistance in connecting to the resources and advice to succeed. The Division is a champion for Delaware small businesses and is here to help take companies to the next level.