CHARLESTON, W.Va.- To celebrate National Farm to School month, the West Virginia Department of Agriculture (WVDA) and its partners through the West Virginia Farm to School Alliance are encouraging West Virginia schools, early childcare and education sites to teach students about the benefits of local food. By working with West Virginia farms, communities and organizations across the state, the WVDA …
WVDA Now Accepting Applications for Farmer & Ranchers Stress Assistance Grants
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The West Virginia Department of Agriculture (WVDA) is now accepting Request for Applications (RFA) for the 2021 West Virginia Farmers and Ranchers Stress Assistance Network (FRSAN) grant. The purpose of the FRSAN program is to establish a network that connects individuals who are engaged in farming, ranching and other agriculturally related occupations to stress assistance programs. The …
OP ED: West Virginia Grown: Local Agriculture’s Impact and Outlook
Agriculture has been a cornerstone of the U.S. economy since Pilgrims first arrived at Plymouth Rock. With some of the best farmland in the world, the United States is the second largest agriculture producer right behind China. Agriculture and related industries contribute over $1 trillion to the U.S. gross domestic product each year. In West Virginia, the impact of agricultural …
Invasive Spotted Lanternfly Spreading in West Virginia’s Eastern Panhandle
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – As the invasive spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) continues to spread, the West Virginia Department of Agriculture (WVDA) strongly encourages citizens to check their vehicles and any materials being transported for the invasive pest. The insect’s spread is greatly enhanced through its ability to attach itself and egg masses to vehicles and materials that are transported from areas …
FSA Asking for Damage Totals from Remnants of Hurricane Ida
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The USDA West Virginia Farm Service Agency (FSA) is asking farmers and producers across the state to report any damage from the remnants of Hurricane Ida that swept through West Virginia Tuesday, August 31 and Wednesday, September 1. Some areas of the state received a minimal amount of rain, others like Terra Alta and Tunnelton, in Preston …
West Virginia Women in Ag to Be Honored at the State Fair
FAIRLEA, W.Va. – West Virginia Commissioner of Agriculture Kent Leonhardt announced the recipients of this year’s West Virginia Women in Agriculture Award. The four recipients were chosen based on their passion for agriculture and desire to mentor up and coming female farmers. Commissioner Leonhardt will host a reception at the State Fair of West Virginia 11:30 am, Sunday, August 15 …