Delaware Strengthens Climate Strategy to Support Farms, Forests, and Rural Communities

Delaware expands its climate strategy with new funding and programs to protect farms, forests, and rural communities. (Photo credit: Delaware Department of Agriculture.)

Delaware is elevating its statewide strategy to protect farms, forests, and rural communities from the effects of climate change, with new funding streams, expanded cost-share programs, and a series of innovative projects rolling out over the next year.

Jimmy Kroon, Chief of Planning with the Delaware Department of Agriculture, says these initiatives signal a major step forward. “We’re increasing support for the practices that have the greatest impact on resilience—cover crops, no-till, precision agriculture, clean energy, and land preservation,” he said. “These investments are bigger and more targeted than anything we’ve done previously.”

Forestry Programs Grow: A New Focus on Resiliency

State Forester Kyle Hoyd said the Delaware Forest Service is introducing several new efforts, with the goal of strengthening forests and protecting communities from climate-related threats like storms, heat, and pests.

One of the most notable additions is the Forest Resiliency Fund. This $1.5 million cost-share program for private landowners will be available over the next three years. Hoyd explains it is specifically created to support forests with adapting to future conditions.

The state is also increasing technical assistance for afforestation and reforestation, boosting prescribed fire programming, and enhancing educational outreach to encourage participation from landowners.

Urban communities will receive further support as well, including new street and park tree plantings to combat heat islands and flooding. Hoyd said the Forest Service is “diversifying forest resources on state-owned lands to account for future climates and serve as the showcase for private landowners.”

Other forestry initiatives include:

Added forest protections and mitigation banking during land-use changes
New tools to help all 57 Delaware municipalities better plan and fund tree projects
Expanded cross-agency collaboration with developers, planners, and local governments
Increased monitoring for insect and disease outbreaks linked to changing climate patterns

Cover Crops, Carbon Sequestration, and Innovative Research

The state’s largest investment remains in climate-smart crop strategies—especially cover crops, which minimize runoff, stop soil erosion, and store carbon.

Kroon said Delaware is significantly expanding this level of support. “We increased our funding request to $10 million for FY27,” he noted. The department is also backing research into innovative cover crop practices and boosting adoption of no-till and low-till farming.

Although cover crop cost-share is funded by the Department of Agriculture, it’s implemented locally. “Those interested should contact their conservation district,” Kroon said.

Lowering Emissions on Chicken Farms

As one of the state’s largest industries, Delaware’s poultry sector will see more help reducing energy use and emissions.

Specifically, Kroon emphasized new efforts to transition to alternative energy sources, made possible through partnerships with organizations like Energize Delaware.

Farmers are encouraged to seek energy audits and farm-specific programs through Energize Delaware to find opportunities for cost-effective upgrades.

Precision Agriculture: Doing More With Less

Another major focus for Delaware is precision agriculture—leveraging technology to minimize fertilizer, fuel, and water use while improving yields.

Kroon said the state is supporting improvements in this area through “research, demonstration projects, and workforce development.” Precision agriculture tools can go a long way in helping farms reduce emissions, lower energy costs, and minimize nutrient runoff into waterways.

Protecting Farmland From Development Pressures

The state is also aiming to preserve more farmland, particularly with development pushing into rural areas.

Kroon said the department is working closely with the Office of Statewide Planning to promote smart-growth strategies and prevent low-density sprawl. He pointed to research from American Farmland Trust, indicating that rural residential development produces emissions significantly higher than farmland or dense urban areas.

Plus, he added that preserved farmland offers long-term climate benefits. “Owners of preserved farmland are also more likely to implement further conservation practices,” Kroon said.

More information on the state’s preservation program can be found via the Delaware Department of Agriculture.

Preparing for Future Climate Risks

Delaware farmers are currently dealing with frequent flooding, hotter summers, intense rainfall, and shifting pest pressures. These new programs were designed with those challenges top-of-mind.

The expanded initiatives, Kroon said, are created to equip farms with the right tools to stay productive long-term. From resilient forests to carbon-sequestering croplands, each investment is part of a larger statewide strategy.

How Farmers and Landowners Can Get Involved

Farmers and landowners can stay up-to-date through several channels:

Cover crop and soil health programs: Contact local conservation districts.
Energy efficiency and alternative energy for poultry farms: Reach out to Energize Delaware.
Forestry cost-share, tree planting, or community forestry programs: Contact the Delaware Forest Service.
Land preservation opportunities: Visit the state’s agricultural land preservation program website.

A Statewide Effort

Kroon said Delaware’s approach reflects close cooperation across agencies, sectors, and local governments. “We’re supporting practices that reduce emissions, build resilience, and keep Delaware agriculture strong,” he said.

Hoyd agreed, pointing out that the forestry component is designed not only to protect forests, but to serve as a model for climate-ready landscapes throughout the state.

Together, the programs represent one of Delaware’s most comprehensive climate-resilience investments to date, positioning the state as a leader in climate-smart agriculture.