CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The West Virginia Department of Agriculture (WVDA) will host its first Veteran and Heroes to Agriculture Pitch Competition in March of 2023. The competition aims to help Veteran and Heroes to Agriculture members by developing business plans and awarding funds for capital investments. The top prize will be $10,000 to build or expand an agribusiness. Applicants can …
WVDA Now Taking Applications for 2023 Specialty Crop Block Grants
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The West Virginia Department of Agriculture (WVDA) is now seeking applications for FY 2023 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. Funds will be awarded to enhance the production, processing, and consumption of specialty crops in West Virginia. Five West Virginia projects were awarded a total of $292,293.44 in 2022. “Specialty crops are vital to expanding, diversifying, and enhancing …
Op Ed: A Reflection on our Freedoms
This fall, I was privileged to speak at the dedication of two Living Memorials remembering the fallen sons and daughters of West Virginia Gold Star families. As I spoke to the crowd, I remembered my own service overseas and how lucky I was to come home in one piece. Many of the men and women who have proudly served our …
WV Farm Museum Christmas Light Show Runs Dec. 5-20
POINT PLEASANT, W.Va. – Two-million lights will be twinkling this year at the West Virginia State Farm Museum to celebrate the Christmas season. Santa will also be on hand to talk with the kids Thursday through Sunday each week. The display runs Dec. 5-20 from 6-9 p.m. “This light show is one of the best in the state and a credit …
Op Ed: President Biden is Right: We Must End Hunger
President Biden recently announced his administration’s goal to eliminate hunger and reduce diet-related diseases by 2030. His plan is based around five policy pillars; improve access to food, integrate nutrition and health, empower consumers to make healthy choices, support physical activity and enhance nutrition and food security research. Addressing these issues is crucial as we face rising energy prices, inflation …
WVDA Launches Merged WV Grown Homegrown by Heroes Logo
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The West Virginia Department of Agriculture (WVDA) announced an official agreement with the Farmer Veteran Coalition combining the WV Grown and Homegrown by Heroes logos into a blended mark. This marketing initiative informs consumers that agricultural products donning the mark are locally produced, grown, or with 50% or greater value-added within West Virginia and by a U.S. …