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 …
WVDA Announces Resilient Food Systems Grant Deadline Extension
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The West Virginia Department of Agriculture has extended the deadline for the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure grant until April 15, 2024, at 4 p.m. from the original deadline of April 1, 2024. The purpose of the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure (RFSI) program is to build resilience in the middle of the food supply chain, to provide more …
Veterans Vie for Prize Money at Second Business Pitch Competition
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The West Virginia Department of Agriculture (WVDA) will host its second Veterans and Heroes to Agriculture Pitch Competition on Saturday, March 9, from 1-4 pm at the Cedar Lakes Conference Center in Ripley, WV. The competition aims to help Veterans and Heroes to Agriculture members by developing business plans and awarding funds for capital investments. There is …
Winter Blues Farmers Market Sales Soar
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 …
WVDA Proposes Lymantria Dispar Treatments for Spring 2024
</b> CHARLESTON, W.Va. – West Virginia Department of Agriculture (WVDA), in cooperation with the United States Department of Agriculture-Forest Service (USDA-FS), is proposing aerial treatment of approximately 26,562 acres for the purpose of reducing significant impacts to forested lands within West Virginia caused by the Lymantria dispar (spongy moth aka gypsy moth). The WVDA proposes to treat these acres under …