CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Mountain State Co-Op has been awarded funding through the West Virginia Department of Agriculture’s (WVDA) Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure (RFSI) Program to expand cold storage, warehousing, and distribution capabilities, strengthening West Virginia’s regional food supply chain. A formal grant presentation will take place on Monday, July 7, at 2:00 p.m. at the Co-Op’s facility in Flemington, WV. Media are encouraged to attend.

Mountain State Co-Op will enter into an agreement with the WVDA to significantly increase its capacity for aggregation and distribution of local agricultural products. The Co-Op will purchase additional temperature-controlled refrigeration and freezer trailers, secure new warehouse space, and outfit two FDA-approved manufacturing kitchens for co-packing value-added products such as granola, jams, and jellies. Mechanized systems will be introduced to improve worker safety and operational efficiency, and staff will receive comprehensive training to ensure compliance with updated processes, safety standards, and consumer protection protocols.

By the end of the project period, Mountain State Co-Op will have strengthened the middle of the regional food supply chain - benefiting local farmers and producers, creating new jobs, and expanding consumer access to locally produced goods. The initiative will increase the market competitiveness of Co-Op members, enhance efficiency, and support the long-term sustainability and growth of West Virginia’s local food economy.

“Mountain State Co-Op is a prime example of how strategic investment in food infrastructure can create a ripple effect of economic and community benefits,” said Commissioner of Agriculture Kent Leonhardt. “By expanding capacity and improving efficiency, this project will help ensure that more West Virginians have access to fresh, local food while supporting our state’s producers.

Mountain State Co-Op is one of 11 projects funded through the RFSI Program in West Virginia. The USDA-funded initiative focuses on strengthening the middle of the food supply chain—including processing, aggregation, and distribution—to support farmers and food businesses. The WVDA will provide ongoing technical assistance and supply chain support to ensure each project’s long-term success.

For more information on the RFSI Program, visit agriculture.wv.gov.