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Delaware Department of
Agriculture

Employee Recognition Plan



Employee Recognition Opportunities at DDA

The Delaware Department of Agriculture (DDA) is proud to celebrate the outstanding contributions of our team members. Below are the recognition opportunities available through our department’s fully approved plan.

Quarterly Awards for Excellence

Each quarter, DDA employees may be recognized in the following categories:

  • Innovation and Collaboration Award
    For employees or teams who improve DDA programs through innovation, collaboration, or efficiency.
  • Service to Agriculture Award
    For those demonstrating exceptional service to constituents and promoting agriculture within the community.
  • Employee Excellence Award
    For consistently exceeding expectations, showing a strong work ethic, and modeling professional excellence.

Winners receive:

  • A certificate signed by the Secretary
  • Department-wide email recognition
  • Personnel file recognition
  • Consideration for Employee of the Year
  • Potential nomination for statewide awards

Rising Star Award

Recognizes new employees (generally with less than two years at DDA or in a new role) who show exceptional promise and impact.

Winners receive:

  • A certificate signed by the Secretary
  • Consideration for mentorship, training, or networking opportunities

Delaware Award for Heroism

This award honors extraordinary acts of heroism performed by DDA employees.
Criteria and nomination details can be found here: Delaware Award for Heroism

Winners receive:

  • A framed certificate presented in person by the Secretary or designee
  • Recognition at the next quarterly ceremony and via department-wide email
  • Statewide recognition at DHR’s award ceremony

Service Awards

Recognized at every 5-year milestone (beginning at 5 years of service).

Honorees receive:

  • A lapel pin with years of service
  • A framed certificate signed by the Governor and Secretary

Annual Awards

Employee of the Year
Selected from quarterly award winners as the standout example of DDA’s mission and values.

Winner receives:

  • A certificate signed by the Secretary
  • One day of annual leave
  • Premium parking space for the year
  • Automatic nomination for a statewide award
  • Recognition at the department’s annual event

Statewide Awards

DDA employees may be nominated for prestigious statewide awards including:

Nominees are selected by the Recognition Committee based on quarterly award achievements and eligibility.

Recognition Events

  • Quarterly Events: Recognize award winners and service milestones, often with cake and refreshments.
  • Annual Event: Department-wide celebration with food, thank-you gifts, and special recognition for Employee of the Year and statewide nominees.
  • Public Service Recognition Week (first week of May): Fun and engaging recognition activities organized in collaboration with HR.

Nominate a Colleague

All DDA employees are encouraged to nominate colleagues for awards. Nomination forms and submission deadlines can be found in the Employee Recognition Plan or by contacting the Recognition Chairperson.

📄 Download the full DDA Employee Recognition Plan
🔗 Visit the Statewide Recognition Program page





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