CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The 2024 Winter Blues Farmers Market, held February 24 at the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center, proved a huge success for vendors and shoppers alike. The annual event, sponsored by the West Virginia Department of Agriculture and WVU Extension, had a record turnout. One hundred and sixteen West Virginia farmers, growers and producers set up shop for the one-day event. Thirty-seven of those vendors attended for the first time. Thousands of shoppers came to buy their favorite products and found new ones to purchase. After the sales receipts were tallied, the market netted $140,460. That was a record amount for the market’s 15-year history. All of the money earned stays with the vendors.

“Winter Blues has always been a great opportunity to showcase the best of what West Virginia agriculture has to offer,” stressed Commissioner of Agriculture Kent Leonhardt. “I talk a lot about supporting our farmers and producers. Winter Blues is a one-stop venue where you can purchase everything from meat to maple syrup, fresh vegetables to goat milk soap, and it’s all grown or produced in West Virginia by West Virginians. The dollars that were spent at this event go right back into our communities. That is a win/win for our producers and our shoppers.”

A new layout and an extra hour of shopping time made navigating the market much easier. The 2025 Market will be Saturday, March 1.

The West Virginia Department of Agriculture protects plant, animal and human health through a variety of scientific, regulatory and consumer protection programs. The Commissioner of Agriculture is one of six statewide elected officials who sits on the Board of Public Works.