University of Delaware—s Carvel Research and Education Center briefs Sussex County Council on diagnostics and outreach; greenhouse plan on hold

James Atkins, representing the University of Delaware—s Carvel Research and Education Center, presented an overview of research, outreach and facilities housed at the Carvel site south of Harrington.

Atkins described the Carvel complex as more than a single building: it includes a research station south of Harbeson (approximately 120 acres), the poultry diagnostic lab that serves the region, the Maine Research Farm (about 350 acres), the Dill Farm and the Jones Hamilton Research Poultry Facility. He said the county—s prior planning funding for a proposed greenhouse complex is still available but the greenhouse design is on pause; initial designs were deemed too ambitious to staff and maintain over the long term and the project is being reevaluated at a smaller scale.

Atkins highlighted extension and outreach work including 4‑H programming (nearly 80 volunteers in the county), Master Gardener volunteers, farm business management assistance to small and poultry farmers, field days and the Carvel facility—s role as a hub for pathology, entomology and engineering specialists. He said a renovated sterile lab with a qPCR machine helped the program gain access to almost $1,000,000 in grant funding, which staff described as a multiplier effect for prior county investment.

Atkins invited council members to tour the facility. Members in the room responded with appreciation for the diagnostic work and for the potential of greenhouse research to support local growers. No formal action was requested of council during the presentation.