CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The West Virginia Department of Agriculture (WVDA) has launched a West Virginia Grown Partner Program to incorporate supporters of local agricultural products into the branding program. West Virginia Grown has historically focused on only those who produce agricultural products. The WVDA wants to expand the reach of the program by bringing in new affiliates. “We recognize we …
Op Ed: Policy Makers Must Act to Stop Growing Drug Crisis
As the drug epidemic continues to plague our nation, policy makers struggle to implement real solutions to ending the crisis. Some lawmakers focus on funding law enforcement to combat drug dealers, while others want to provide social services to hit at the root of drug use. Regardless of where you are on the problem, much of the effort is focused …
WEST VIRGINIA STATE AUDITOR INTRODUCES LEGISLATION TO BAN CHINA, RUSSIA, OTHER COUNTRIES OF CONCERN FROM PARTICIPATING IN TAX SALES
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – West Virginia State Auditor JB McCuskey has introduced legislation to protect West Virginians and their property from a growing threat. Nationals from the People’s Republic of China, Russia, Saudi Arabia, North Korea, and others on the State Department’s Countries of Concern list, will be banned from buying natural resources, farmland, and property, under the Auditor’s new legislation. …
Winter Blues Farmers Market Returns February 25
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Winter Blues is back! The indoor farmers market makes its return on Saturday, February 25. More than 60 vendors from across West Virginia will be on hand to sell products grown and sourced right here in the Mountain State. The event takes place at the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center from 1-5 p.m. It is free for …
Commissioner Leonhardt Encourages Farmers to Participate in 2022 Ag Census
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Commissioner of Agriculture Kent Leonhardt and the West Virginia Department of Agriculture (WVDA) are encouraging all farmers and farm operations to participate in the 2022 Census of Agriculture. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) mailed paper questionnaires to producers in December. “We encourage everyone who receives a census to participate. This is …
Commissioner Leonhardt Calls for hard Commitment on Laboratory Funding
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – After reviewing Governor Jim Justice’s proposed fiscal year 2024 budget, Commissioner Kent Leonhardt released the following statement: “I’m thrilled to finally see a line-item for laboratories within the budget bill, but I am disappointed that it’s only a soft commitment through the surplus section. With the Legislature looking to push historic policy changes, including record tax breaks, …