Delaware agriculture critical to supplying food during COVID-19 outbreak

The Delaware Department of Agriculture continues to provide services to the public and industry to ensure that the food supply remains safe and plentiful for consumers during the COVID-19 outbreak.

“As Delaware’s No. 1 industry, family farms are crucial to supplying a variety of food from poultry and meats, fruits and vegetables, and many value-added products,” said Secretary of Agriculture Michael T. Scuse. “We take the health and safety of our employees seriously, but we realize that even during the outbreak, we have a duty to our constituents. The department will remain open, but we will be making changes to minimize risk to our employees.”

Farmers will be active over the next few months as planting season is underway. Scuse has asked for flexibility from the public as guidance surrounding the COVID-19 outbreak continues to change.

Members of the public are encouraged to call ahead before coming to the department. Nonessential meetings are being canceled or moved to online/teleconference to enable social distancing.

Agriculture Compliance Lab: Samples must be dropped off in the entrance of the lab.

Communications and Marketing: The informational grant workshop scheduled for Tuesday, March 24, is canceled.

For more information, contact Jo-Ann Walston at 302-698-4592 or email joann.walston@delaware.gov. Guidance is being developed for farmers markets and on-farm markets.

Delaware Standardbred Breeders’ Fund: Races are not scheduled until June at Harrington. Yearling and 2-year-old payments due Friday, May 15, should be mailed or paid online by credit card.  

Food Products Inspection: The Produce Safety Alliance training scheduled for Tuesday, March 24, has been postponed. The On-Farm Entrepreneurs Food Safety Training with University of Delaware Extension has been postponed. Dates will be announced in the future. There are no changes currently for customer contact information. 

Delaware Forest Service: Until further notice, the Redden Lodge is closed. All state forest campsites are closed, and no gatherings of more than 10 people are permitted on state forest property. All Arbor Day events are canceled.

Delaware Harness Racing Commission: Until further notice, casinos and racetracks in Delaware are closed. The commission has canceled monthly meetings for March and April, and will provide any needed public information electronically. 

Aglands Planning and Preservation: Delaware Agricultural Lands Preservation Foundation meetings will be conducted virtually. 

Nutrient Management: Farm visits will be limited to reduce the chance of spreading coronavirus. 

Pesticide Management: All pesticide testing has been canceled until further notice. Any insect samples can be left at the front desk along with contact information. 

Plant Industries: All seed for testing should be placed in the large mailbox outside the building marked Seed Lab. Hemp producer applications should be emailed, and changes are coming to the physical license. 

Poultry and Animal Health: Samples may be brought to the front lobby for submission. No one will be able to walk samples back to the labs. 

Thoroughbred Racing Commission: Until further notice, casinos and racetracks in Delaware are closed. The stable has been opened for training.

Weights and Measures: Complaints should be submitted using the online complaint form. Go to agriculture.delaware.gov/weights-measures.

For more updated information related to the Department of Agriculture and COVID-19, go to agriculture.delaware.gov/news.