Delaware farmland preserved to prevent future land development

BRIDGEVILLE, Del. –  Monday was a big step forward for Delaware farmers as Governor John Carney announced the preservation of more than 134,000 acres of farmland across the state.

T.S. Smith & Sons in Bridgeville, which has been running for more than a century, was one of the farms selected this year. They say they’re close to having all of their land enrolled in this program, which makes sure the land isn’t developed for housing or stores in the future. That’s something the owners say gives them piece of mind especially since they don’t know if the youngest generation of their family will be carrying on the business.

“The next generation, we don’t know where that’s leading at this point. Whether the children want to come back and work for us. But none the less if they don’t and T.S. Smith & Sons doesn’t have anyone else waiting in line, our land will be preserved and farmed in the future,” says Matt Smith, owner of T.S. Smith & Sons.

Smith adds that the farming industry is changing, now that many kids are going to college. He admits the money that comes with agriculture doesn’t compete very well with other industries. He hopes the State’s preservation program helps propel farming into the future.

This was the 23rd consecutive year of the easement selections by the Delaware Agriculture Lands Preservation Foundation.