Charleston, W.Va. – The West Virginia Department of Agriculture (WVDA) teamed up with the West Virginia Farmers Market Association (WVFMA) to offer the 2024 WVFMA Mini-Grant Program which helps fund needed improvements/upgrades to farmers markets across the state. The WVFMA received 43 applications from traditional farmers markets, mobile markets and on-farm stands totaling $194,000 in funding requests. This year, 14 markets were awarded a total of $51,052. Eleven projects received full funding; three received partial awards.
While each market had their own specific needs, cold storage, site improvements, marketing materials, and wi-fi connectivity were the most requested items.
“Farmers markets across the state offer access to fresh produce, meats, herbs, flowers, and value-added products grown and made right here in West Virginia. Not only do these grants benefit the markets, they also benefit the people who shop there. Better access to home-grown, fresh food means better health for the people of West Virginia,” stressed Commissioner of Agriculture Kent Leonhardt.
The grant awardees are:
- Blands Home and Farm Service – Dunmore $5,000
- Granny Witch Gardens – Huntington $4,038.74
- Grow Ohio Valley – Wheeling $3,825
- Hampshire Co. Farmers Market – Romney $4,958.63
- Lewis Co. Farmers Market – Weston $4,964.51
- Lisa’s Jars of Love – Huntington $930
- Jeans Farm Fresh – Burlington $5,000
- Mineral Co. Farmers Market – Keyser $1,064
- Morgantown Farmers Market – Morgantown $4,961
- Peppermint Acres – Kenova $1,315.98
- The Local Farmers Market – Sistersville $505.93
- Trailhead Farm – Gassaway $4,956.56
- White Picket Farm – Elizabeth $4,944.95
- WVU Parkersburg – Parkersburg $4,587.63
“This program has allowed us to reach markets that are typically ineligible for grant funding or lack experience in applying for it,” explained WVFMA Executive Director Holly Morgan. “Often, something as simple as a point-of-sale system can completely transform a market. In the 2023 mini-grant cycle, we saw smaller markets flourish. The ability to accept card payments allows these markets to process debit/credit cards and SNAP/EBT transactions, expanding their reach to more customers and keeping dollars in West Virginia to support local farm families.”
The WVDA provided the funding for the Mini-Grant Project and the WVFMA administered the grants.
For questions about the grants or the grant funding, contact Holly Morgan at executivedirector@wvfarmers.org or call 304-398-5214.
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.