Issue 11.29

July 25, 2025

A GROWING VISION

Q&A WITH SECRETARY OF AGRICULTURE DON CLIFTON

With agriculture remaining Delaware’s largest industry, the state is looking to the future under the leadership of Secretary of Agriculture Don Clifton. Appointed earlier this year by Governor Matt Meyer, Clifton brings a deep understanding of Delaware’s farming community and a commitment to innovation, sustainability, and workforce development. We caught up with him to discuss the opportunities and challenges shaping the future of agriculture in the First State. Read more >

FAST FACT: Retaliatory tariffs led to a 76% drop in Delaware soybean export value in 2018. Read more >

SOLUTIONS FOR

THE PLANET

Climate change, water shortages, and evolving regulations present complex challenges for agriculture. At FMC Corporation, we have reframed these challenges as the driving force behind our most promising crop protection innovations. At our Stine Research Center in Newark, Delaware, FMC is developing groundbreaking solutions for farmers in every corner of the globe. Read more >

FEEDING AND FUELING

THE WORLD

Innovation and impact are central pillars of every choice we make at Corteva. From drought-resistant corn and rice to home-grown biofuels and new AI and digital solutions, we work every day to transform agriculture and feed and fuel the world’s growing population. We’re proud to have deep roots here in Delaware, an innovation hub with a storied tradition in agriculture.

AGRICULTURE SECTOR BREAKDOWN

Delaware’s agriculture industry is both deeply rooted and forward-looking. As a national leader in broiler chicken production and home to fertile farmland and a thriving seafood sector, the state plays a vital role in feeding the nation. With strong ties between its agriculture, life sciences, and advanced chemical sectors, the state is pioneering breakthroughs in precision ag, crop science, and sustainable farming. From multinational agribusinesses to university-led research, Delaware is shaping the future of food production—locally, nationally, and globally. Learn more >

DELAWARE'S AG SECTOR BY THE NUMBERS:

2,300+

family farms

40%

of Delaware land used for agricultural production

$1B+

in sales generated by

the industry

#8

rank of poultry industry nationally (based on total sales per state)

#1

national rank in

agricultural value sold

per acre

11,892

jobs supported by the industry

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

The Delaware Department of Labor (DOL) produces several important data points of interest to all Delawareans, including business owners, managers, and employees. This data includes the size of the civilian workforce, the state unemployment rate, unemployment by location, employment by job sector or industry, earnings, and more. For easy access to this and other DOL data, use your preferred search engine and look for the Office of Occupational and Labor Market Information within the Delaware Department of Labor. The charts, tables, and graphs are accessible and easy to understand. Read more >

PHOTOS OF THE WEEK

This summer's Intern Delaware Cohort participated in a Courageous Conversations Coffee and Convo at HCS #107C, led by United Way of Delaware's Tierra Fair.

Governor Matt Meyer celebrated the 2024 and 2025 Warrior Friendly Business Award winners at his Wilmington office on Wednesday. He also signed a proclamation designating July 25th as Hire a Veteran Day in Delaware, along with signing three bills—HB 55, HB 121, and HB 160—that support Delaware’s military members and their families.