Delaware state university is actively engaged in agricultural research and teaching focused on the priorities of delaware's growers and communities, addressing pressures from a growing population…

The Department of Agriculture National Institute of Food and Agriculture awarded Delaware State University $3,325,942 under the Payments to 1890 Land-Grant Colleges and Tuskegee University program (CFDA 10.205) on October 1, 2025.

Delaware State University conducts agricultural research and teaching focused on Delaware growers' and communities' priorities, including work on small ruminants, aquaculture, small fruits, soil health, and intensive vegetable production in protective culture. The university is developing an improved post-harvest handling facility to stimulate research in food safety and nutrition. Extension collaboration activities are designed to strengthen the capacity of farmers and ranchers, making them more competitive and resilient.

The award runs through September 30, 2027, with place of performance at Leipsic, Delaware. The funding is a formula grant supporting continuing agricultural research at 1890 Land-grant institutions. Recipients must submit a Plan of Work to NIFA for approval and comply with reporting requirements including Five-Year Plan of Work updates and Annual Reports of Accomplishments and Results. Up to 100 percent of funds may be carried over for up to one year after the end of the fiscal year for which they were appropriated without prior approval. Funding releases quarterly upon confirmation that all current program and administrative requirements have been met.

Delaware state university is actively engaged in agricultural research and teaching focused on the priorities of delaware's growers and communities, addressing pressures from a growing population and environmental challenges. Research interests are expanding, particularly among the rising population of beginning farmers, who are focusing on areas like small ruminants, aquaculture, small fruits, soil health, and intensive vegetable production in protective culture. The development of an improved post-harvest handling facility will further stimulate research in food safety and nutrition. These activities, combined with ongoing extension collaboration, are designed to strengthen the capacity of farmers and ranchers, making them more competitive and resilient, and better positioning them to capture economic opportunities. Ultimately, this work is expected to generate positive outcomes and benefits for all participants.