Delaware Agricultural Lands Preservation and Zoning

The Delaware Agricultural Lands Preservation Foundation, established in Title 3, Chapter 9, administers the Agricultural Preservation District and easement purchase programs. Landowners may voluntarily enroll in districts that limit nonagricultural development for at least ten years and may sell permanent easements to the state. County zoning ordinances must accommodate agricultural uses, and Right to Farm protections extend to operations within preservation districts. Subdivision and rezoning of preserved farmland is limited by statute and recorded easements.

Breaching an agricultural easement triggers repayment with interest and potential injunctive relief; improper zoning changes may be reversed in court.