2024 in Review Newsletter
Happy New Year!
As we bid farewell to the holiday season and welcome 2025, I want to take a moment to reflect on my first year serving as your Sussex County Commissioner and share goals that I’m striving toward in the year ahead.
Reflecting on 2024, Sussex County achieved significant milestones in our Farmland Preservation program. Key accomplishments include:
Farmland Preservation Revitalization Tour: A 13-stop tour across the different municipalities educating and promoting the County’s preserved farmland.
Funding Realignment: Secured salary adjustments for planning department roles to enhance recruitment and support county services.
Farmland Preservation Applications: Successful submission of two new farmland preservation applications.
Farmland Preservation Plan Update: Initiated the update to Sussex County’s 2008 Farmland Preservation Plan, setting the roadmap for future progress.
These efforts collectively underscore Sussex County’s commitment to preserving its agricultural heritage and advancing its preservation goals.
Looking ahead to 2025, I am eager to build on this progress. A key development this year will be the finalization of the state’s new farmland appraisal formula which is set to take effect this spring. With the hope of updated and improved appraisal values from the new formula, I anticipate a significant increase in preservation applications. My goal for us is to manage this demand effectively and aim for 4 preservation applications annually. Additionally, we plan to complete the Farmland Preservation Plan update, providing a clear and actionable roadmap to strengthen this vital program.
However, the top priority in 2025 will be to authorize a public referendum to appear on the November 4, 2025, general election ballot to seek voter approval to continue the Sussex County Farmland Preservation, Recreation, and Open Space Trust Fund for an additional 10-year time period. To meet the August deadline for the general ballot inclusion, I will begin advocating for this measure immediately, engaging with all of the municipalities. This referendum has previously received unanimous backing from the commissioner board to be placed on the ballot in both 2005 and 2015. I firmly believe in the principles of democracy and entrusting the power to the people to make this important decision. I have full confidence that the people of Sussex County will once again make their voices heard.
Another exciting initiative in 2025 is the launch of the County Seed Library through the Division of Senior Services. After completing Phase 1 in 2024—organizing and securing a robust seed supply—we will roll out Phase 2 early this year, allowing residents to order and pick up seeds. Later in the year, Phase 3 will feature educational workshops on seed starting, healthy gardening practices, and seed saving. Phase 4 will conclude the year with a program survey assessing plant health, production, retention, and yield.
In 2024, we achieved a significant milestone by launching an agricultural internship program in partnership with Hudson Farm and SCCC. During the fall semester, our first student gained hands-on experience in Hudson Farm’s state-of-the-art greenhouse. Interest is already building for the spring semester, signaling a bright future for this program as we expand it further in 2025.
Education remains a cornerstone of my mission in 2025. I am committed to supporting Sussex County Community College (SCCC) and the Technical School- both of which are essential to expanding opportunities for our residents.
It is a tremendous blessing to enter my second year as one of your Sussex County Commissioners. Thank you for your trust and support. May this year bring health, happiness, and prosperity to you and your loved ones. God bless Sussex County and all who call it home!
Sincerely,
Jack DeGroot