A Growing Vision: Q&A with Don Clifton, Delaware's Secretary of Agriculture

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.

Over the next decade, where do you see growth occurring in the agriculture sector, and where do you see contraction?

Agriculture continues to be Delaware’s largest industry and a mirror of American agriculture — diverse, resilient, and evolving. Over the next decade, we see meaningful opportunities for growth in areas such as agritourism, value-added products, direct-to-market operations, aquaculture, and especially local food systems. These sustainable methods allow us to grow clean energy without sacrificing crop output, providing a new revenue stream to farm families.

At the same time, certain sectors — especially those heavily export-dependent or lacking robust local processing capacity — may face contraction. For example, without reinvestment in infrastructure, industries like vegetable processing could struggle to compete. The pressure of development will continue to affect farmland availability, increasing the urgency of farmland preservation efforts. We are committed to meeting these challenges with innovation and smart policy.

We also recognize the essential nature of community farmers’ markets. They serve as hubs of economic activity, increase access to healthy food, and help connect families directly with local growers. Supporting these markets means investing in small farms, creating a stronger economy, and building healthier communities across the state.

Tariff discussions are dominating business news headlines. What are the impacts you are witnessing on Delaware’s food producers?

Federal tariff policies continue to cast long shadows across Delaware’s agricultural landscape. When trade wars escalate, our producers — especially poultry, soybean, and grain farmers — feel the brunt. We saw firsthand how retaliatory tariffs in 2018 devastated soybean exports, with a 76% drop in export value. Many of those markets shifted to competitors abroad and haven’t returned. Today, we’re again facing global uncertainty that could lead to additional losses and volatility.

Beyond lost markets, tariffs drive up the cost of imported farm equipment and agricultural inputs — raising the cost of production at a time when commodity prices are already below break-even for many crops. This is especially burdensome for smaller and mid-sized family farms that lack financial buffers. As always, we continue advocating for policies that keep our farmers competitive and ensure long-term sustainability.

Technology is transforming the sector. Between smart tractors, drone technology, and cell biology, what are some advancements of which the public may not yet be aware?

Delaware’s farmers are adapting quickly to technology that’s revolutionizing the way we grow, harvest, and deliver food. Innovations like precision agriculture, driven by drone imaging, smart sensors, and GPS-guided equipment, are reducing input waste and maximizing crop yields. Agrivoltaics — solar panels placed above crops — are starting to show promise for dual-use land and energy production, especially for specialty crop growers.

We’re also watching transformative developments in cell-cultured food and vertical farming. These technologies could reshape urban food systems and improve food security. Our land-grant institutions, including the University of Delaware and Delaware State University, are producing world-class research and ag-tech leaders who will define the future of sustainable, high-efficiency farming.

Workforce is a challenge across all industries. What efforts are being made to attract and retain the next generation of farmers, scientists, and ag-tech professionals in Delaware?

Delaware is investing in the future of agriculture by building strong, early connections between young people and ag-related careers. Under Governor Meyer’s Executive Order One, we are expanding youth apprenticeships and “earn and learn” opportunities — some of which are already underway in the Department of Agriculture. These programs allow students to explore fields ranging from agribusiness to animal science while gaining real-world experience.

We continue to support initiatives like the Delaware Council on Farm & Food Policy’s First State Food System Grant, new rounds of the Specialty Crop Block Grant, our Aglands Preservation Program, and hands-on farm-learning opportunities like the Delaware State University Farm School. Collaboration with K-12 schools, FFA and 4-H chapters, MANNRS chapters, and our universities is creating clear, modern pipelines into agricultural careers — from soil science and crop research to advanced ag-tech entrepreneurship.

Delaware’s farming future is innovative, local, and strong — and we’re working to make sure that the next generation of ag leaders see their place in it.