SECTIONS AND OFFICES
The mission of the Delaware Department of Agriculture is to sustain and promote the viability of food, fiber, and agricultural industries in Delaware through quality services that protect and enhance the environment, health and welfare of the general public. We are composed of the following sections:
Agriculture Compliance provides services to ensure the accuracy of label guarantees for animal feeds, pet foods, fertilizers, soil conditioners, and liming materials. These services include reviews of product labels, marketplace inspections, and laboratory analysis. Laboratory testing services are also provided to the public for samples of animal manures, feeds, and fertilizers.
Delaware Standardbred Breeders' Fund oversees and maintains records and funds pertaining to the breeding of Standardbred horses in a state racing program. Promotes Standardbred activities and sales of state bred yearlings
Employment Opportunities provides a list of employment opportunities with the Delaware Department of Agriculture as well as the State of Delaware.
Food Products Inspection oversees and inspects all meat and poultry products to protect the consumer from food borne diseases. Food Products Inspection plays a vital role for agriculture in support of the animal and vegetable segments of our state's agricultural economy. State inspectors provide inspection services for both State and USDA Federal red-meat slaughter and processing plants. The objective is to reduce residues, pathogens, and contaminants in the food supply and reduce the risk of food-borne illness due to intentional sabotage of the food supply in support of homeland security. Commodity Grading Inspectors provide grading verification for poultry and eggs as well as grading services for Delaware's fruit and vegetable growers and brokers.
Forest Service provides a wide range of services to help Delawareans conserve, protect and enhance their forest resources. In addition to managing Delaware’s three State Forests, the Forest Service administers an Urban and Community Forestry Program to assist communities and homeowners with urban forestry projects, provides technical assistance to forest landowners, and administers the Forestland Preservation Program. The Forest Service also offers Smokey Bear, Project Learning Tree and other education programs.
Professional foresters provide financial and technical assistance to communities for urban forestry projects. In addition, foresters diagnose forest pest problems and recommend treatments; develop woodland management programs; conduct forest inventories and inspections; provide information on selecting timber buyers; supervise harvesting, reforestation, and timber stand improvement activities; and assist with wildfire suppression and training programs.
Harness Racing Commission
The Delaware Harness Racing Commission regulates this sport by upholding
the rules and regulations of harness racing as set by the Delaware code.
Information & Education
Offers Ag in the Classroom/ Project Learning Tree workshops and other
educational programs. Initial contact for all public and media inquires.
Land Use Planning & Preservation
Promotes farmland preservation through Delaware Agriculture Lands Preservation
Program.
Marketing
Promotes Delaware's agriculture products via advertising, publications
and special events.
Nutrient Management
Manages those activities involving the generation and application
of nutrients in order to help maintain and improve the quality of
Delaware's ground and surface waters and to help meet or exceed federally
mandated water quality standards, in the interest of the overall public
welfare.
Pesticides
Regulates pesticide distribution, use storage, sales and disposal. Conducts
public recycling programs for empty commercial pesticide containers.
Plant Industries
Prevents the introduction, establishment and spread of plant and honeybee
pests. Performs grain and seed inspections.
Poultry & Animal Health
Protects domestic animals and poultry from the spread of infectious diseases,
including those transmissible to humans.
Thoroughbred Racing Commission
The Delaware Thoroughbred Racing Commission regulates this sport by
upholding the rules and regulations of thoroughbred racing as set
by the Delaware code.
Weights & Measures
Safeguards public against fraud during transactions that require weighing,
measuring and or counting, including gas pumps, grocery scales and home
fuel delivery trucks. Also inspects food labels for accurate weight and
count.
