CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The West Virginia Department of Agriculture (WVDA) is proud to announce the Moorefield Animal Health Diagnostic Laboratory has received ISO 17025 laboratory accreditation. The accreditation validates the laboratory’s quality management system and shows potential lab clients a viable option for testing within their own quality assurance systems. Maintaining ISO accreditation also allows for participation in national animal …

CHARLESTON, W. Va. – Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Vouchers are now being distributed to all 55 counties in West Virginia. Vouchers are distributed by the West Virginia Department of Agriculture (WVDA) through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)’s Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP). Vouchers can be exchanged for fresh, nutritious, unprepared, locally grown fruits, vegetables, honey and herbs …

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – West Virginia Maple syrup production increased by 2,000 gallons in 2020 for a total of 16,000 gallons for the year. This increased occurred despite a 5,000 decrease from total number of taps placed in 2019, 80,000. Yield per tap was 0.213 gallons, up from the 2019 yield per tap of 0.175 gallons. “Even though our producers faced …

Charleston W.Va. — Following the cancellation of the 2020 State Fair of West Virginia, Commissioner of Agriculture Kent Leonhardt released the following statement: “It is disappointing there will be no State Fair of West Virginia this year, but we understand the circumstances that led to decision the Fair Board made. The fair brings an economic boost to the region, is …

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The sale or distribution of Japanese barberry, Berberis thunbergii DC, will be illegal in West Virginia starting July 1, 2020. During the 2018 regular legislative session, Japanese barberry was added to the West Virginia “noxious weeds” list as part of an effort to control the invasive plant. An amendment allowed a phase-in period for existing stock to …