Cover Crop Program 

Cover Crops are proven to be one of the easiest and most effective conservation practices in Sussex County. To promote this practice, the District's Cover Crop Program will make direct payments to farmers who plant in accordance with the program guidelines. Participants are limited up to $75,000* in cover crop assistance. In the event enrollment in the program exceeds available funding, the Sussex Conservation District reserves the right to reduce the maximum payment amount per participant. In order for land to be eligible for cover crop cost-share assistance, it must follow an annual crop (row crops/vegetables). Perennial crops, pasture and hayland are not eligible. There are multiple other conditions and details to this program that you should read carefully.

FY 24 Cover Crop Program Fact Sheet (updated 6/5/23)

Refer a friend & Earn $500

In an effort to help Delaware meet its water quality goals of 240,000 acres of cover crops statewide, SCD is launching a new cover crop referral program. SCD will pay $500 to the referring farmer, and to each new farmer that enrolls and completes the pilot program. 

Cover Crop Referral Fact Sheet 

Tax Ditch Cost Share

The Sussex Conservation District administers funds from the State of Delaware and Sussex County to assist tax ditch organizations with costs associated with maintaining the county's tax ditch systems. 

FY 24 Tax Ditch Fact Sheet (updated 6/12/2023)

Oyster Aquaculture Pilot Program 

This program will provide an incentive payment per harvested oyster to fund nutrient reductions in the Inland Bays watershed.

FY 24 Oyster Aquaculture Fact Sheet