DSU is committed to the support of agricultural and forestry extension activities that strengthen america's working lands, rural communities, and national competitiveness

The Department of Agriculture National Institute of Food and Agriculture awarded Delaware State University $3,020,316 under the Extension Services at 1890 Colleges and Tuskegee University, West Virginia State College, and Central State University formula grant program (CFDA 10.512) on October 1, 2025.

Delaware State University will deliver agricultural and forestry extension activities addressing four priority areas: combating extreme weather and natural disasters through investigation of adaptation practices at farm and forest sites within the region, with research faculty and cooperative extension specialists demonstrating practices to help local producers adapt; building a prosperous and self-reliant agricultural system through applied research in extension that shapes research and technology agendas while contributing to agriculture-led economic growth, resilience, nutrition, and water security; ensuring fair and competitive market access for producers by identifying stakeholder needs and bringing expertise to address complex agricultural issues; and promoting safe, nutritious, and locally grown food through hands-on nutrition education, food safety awareness, and innovative urban agriculture initiatives including vertical farming, aquaponics, and hydroponics to increase access to fresh, locally grown vegetables.

The award obligates $3,020,316 and carries a period of performance from October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2030. Work is performed at Leipsic, Delaware. The formula grant program supports agricultural and forestry extension activities at 1890 Land-Grant Universities serving audiences with limited social and economic resources.

In alignment with the current USDA's priorities, DSU's initiatives focus on practical solutions, workforce development, and innovation that empower producers and safeguard food security: 1) combat extreme weather and natural disasters to support america's working lands, natural resources and communities. DSU will continue to investigate key weather driven adaptation practices at farm and forest sites within the region. Research faculty and cooperative extension specialists at DSU demonstrate a variety of practices to help local producers learn how to adapt to extreme weather and natural disaster, 2) building a prosperous and self-reliant agricultural system. Applied research in extension will shape the research and technology agenda while contributing to the pillars of agriculture led economic growth, resilience, nutrition, and water security. 3) ensuring fair and competitive market access for producers . Extension to our local stakeholders is paramount as we service identify stakeholder needs, bring expertise and leadership to address complex agricultural issues. Our work results in long-term partnerships and trust that dire ctly benefit delaware's communities. DSU strengthens delaware's agricultural economy and ensures that producers-large and small-can compete in a fair marketplace 4) promoting safe, nutritious, and locally grown food FY23 brings a focus on advancing hands-on nutrition education and food safety awareness to strengthen food security and public health, with a focus on practical solutions that expand domestic food production and reduce reliance on external supply chains; through innovative urban agriculture initiatives such as vertical farming, aquaponics, and hydroponics, DSU increases access to fresh, locally grown vegetables, reinforcing community health, supporting agricultural innovation, and promoting resilience by equipping families and producers with tools to grow more of their own food, thereby contributing to stronger communities and a more secure food system that aligns with national priorities for self-reliance and agricultural competitiveness; 5) developing a skilled and motivated agricultural workforce. Extension is committed to strengthening america's agricultural workforce by building strong networks across the state and advancing practical career pathways. A hallmark initiative launched in 2022 focuses on creating opportunities for veterans in agriculture, ensuring they have the tools and training to succeed. These efforts inspire and retain an engaged workforce, while equipping producers and communities with the skills needed to keep the agricultural sector innovative, resilient, and prepared to meet future challenges.