CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has awarded the West Virginia Department of Agriculture (WVDA) a Laboratory Flexible Funding Model (LFFM) grant totaling $1.04 million. The grant will be used for surveillance testing, new equipment and research and development of contaminants in human and animal food. The WVDA is one of only nine labs in the …
Invasive Spotted Lanternfly Found in Mineral County
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The West Virginia Department of Agriculture (WVDA) has confirmed a second population of the invasive Spotted Lanternfly (Lycormia delicatula) near Ridgeley, WV. The invasive pest was reported through the WVDA’s Bug Busters hotline on September 28 and confirmed by WVDA and APHIS employees the following week. The WVDA collected a specimen and will be conducting treatments with …
A New Appreciation for the Farmer
Our farmers have always been one of the most respected professions in America, but the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance agriculture plays in our daily lives. Evident in a recent Gallup poll, which ranked agriculture and farming, for the first time in twenty years, as one of the most favorable U.S. industrial sectors. With 69 percent of Americans viewing …
Pandemic Shows Where to Invest
Six months into this pandemic, many of us are trying to regain normalcy while adjusting to the realities now facing us. As we grab hold of these new challenges, state leaders need to start planning for the societal adjustments that will move the country forward. Like any good after-action plan, we need to determine successes and failures, and start planning …
Industrial Hemp Application Period Opens
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The West Virginia Department of Agriculture (WVDA) announced the application period for the state’s industrial hemp program will open today, September 1, 2020, for the 2021 growing season. Those interested in growing industrial hemp must apply by October 31, 2020. To receive a license by the first of the year, all required materials should be submitted by …
2020 Agriculture and Forestry Hall of Fame Inductees Announced
JACKSON’S MILL, W.Va. – The West Virginia Agriculture and Forestry Hall of Fame (WVAFHF) Foundation will recognize ten individuals for their outstanding contributions to the agricultural, forestry and family life of West Virginia. Due to COVID-19, these individuals will be enshrined at the 2021 banquet to be held at West Virginia University Jackson’s Mill next July. “The current pandemic has …