CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The West Virginia Department of Agriculture (WVDA), in cooperation with the US Forest Service (USFS), will be treating 6,960 acres in Mingo and McDowell Counties to slow the spread of spongy moth (formerly gypsy moth). The treatment area is on the Mingo/McDowell County line 3.5 miles south of the town of Gilbert and continuing southeast towards the …
OP Ed: Senators Should Seize Opportunity to Boost Small Business and Help WV Kids
Capito and Manchin should back a proposal to expand Child Tax Credit and extend small business relief. At a time of so much division and gridlock, lawmakers in Washington recently surprised Americans with some good news. The US House of Representatives passed legislation to expand the Child Tax Credit and badly needed tax relief for small businesses through the Tax …
Interagency Collaboration Increases Hemp Product Safety
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Hemp product regulation in West Virginia has undergone significant developments in recent years, reflecting the state’s commitment to fostering a successful industry while ensuring compliance with federal and state guidelines and consumer protection. Senate Bill 679 was passed during the 2024 Legislative session to clarify regulations on certain plant-based products. This includes hemp-derived cannabinoid products. The bill …
WVDA Begins Invasive Moth Treatments for Spring 2024
Approximately 25,000 acres will be treated for Lymantria dispar CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The West Virginia Department of Agriculture (WVDA), in cooperation with the United States Department of Agriculture-Forest Service (USDA-FS), will be conducting aerial treatment of approximately 25,322 acres for the purpose of reducing significant impacts to forested lands within West Virginia caused by the spongy moth (Lymantria dispar, formerly …
WVDA Encourages Heightened Biosecurity Measures Following Avian Influenza Confirmed Cases in Dairy Cattle
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Following the confirmed cases of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in dairy cows in the south-central United States, West Virginia Commissioner of Agriculture Kent Leonhardt is strongly urging farmers to enhance biosecurity practices on their farm, especially relating to wild birds in proximity to cattle. There have been no positive cases reported in West Virginia. Commissioner Leonhardt …
Legislative Bill Opens Doors to Expanded Retail Sales for WV Wineries
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – During the 2024 Legislative Session, the West Virginia Department of Agriculture (WVDA) worked closely with Delegate Wayne Clark (R-Jefferson) on House Bill 5294. The bill clarifies to whom and where wine can be sold and sampled, providing expanded opportunities for retail sales for wineries and giving the state’s Agritourism industry a boost. Following months of deliberations, the …