LAUREL, Del. — The Delaware Department of Agriculture announced on October 10 that the Delaware Agricultural Lands Preservation Foundation has completed its 29th round of easement selections, protecting 36 farms covering more than 2,800 acres at a cost of $14.9 million. Since the program began over 30 years ago, more than 1,250 farms and more than 160,000 acres have been preserved. The announcement was made at the Oliphant Farm outside Laurel, a property with over 100 acres of corn and soybean fields maintained by the same family for more than five generations. The oldest building on the farm dates to the 1880s.
Officials attending the event included Governor Matt Meyer, Agriculture Secretary Don Clifton, State Sen. David L. Wilson, and Sussex County officials. The announcement coincided with National Farmers Day on October 12. Governor Meyer said the program supports farming families in passing their lands to future generations, calling the Aglands Preservation Foundation “a wonderful partner” in protecting Delaware’s agricultural heritage.
The program allows landowners to sell development rights while keeping farmland in production. Easements are selected using an impartial ranking system designed to maximize taxpayer benefit. This year’s selections included farms in Sussex, New Castle, and Kent counties, with local governments contributing to preservation costs. Applications for new agricultural districts in 2026 have been extended to October 31. Farmers interested in applying must meet zoning requirements, have working farmland with at least $1,000 in annual agricultural sales, and meet minimum size and viability standards.
For more information on the Delaware Aglands Preservation Program, visit https://de.gov/aglands or call 302-698-4531.

Photo: delaware.gov