CHARLESTON, W.Va. – West Virginia Commissioner of Agriculture Kent Leonhardt is calling for the passage of the New Markets for State Inspected Meat and Poultry Act to combat local meat shortages. Passage of such legislation would allow for meats processed in state inspected facilities to cross state lines. Commissioner Leonhardt sent a letter to West Virginia’s congressional delegation, as well …
Veteran Education Series Wraps Up with Virtual Networking Series
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The first track of the West Virginia Department of Agriculture’s Veteran Education Training Series (V.E.T.S.) wrapped up last Thursday. The courses focused on agricultural business and entrepreneurship. The WVDA launched the series during the West Virginia Small Farm Conference in February. “We are proud of everyone that made our first series a great success. From the instructors …
The WVDA Makes Substantial Improvements to Commodity Distribution Center
RIPLEY, W.Va. – Since 2017, the West Virginia Department of Agriculture (WVDA) has made significant improvements to the WVDA Commodity Distribution Center located in Ripley, WV. The center is responsible for distribution of food provided by USDA programs to West Virginia schools and food banks serving all 55 counties in the state. In total, $1.4 million worth of improvements, mostly …
USDA Approves West Virginia’s Industrial Hemp Plan
Charleston W.Va. — The West Virginia Department of Agriculture (WVDA) has received certification of approval from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) for the plan submitted regarding the regulation of industrial hemp. Approval for the plan means producers will continue to be regulated at the state level in lieu of federal oversight. States had to submit and gain approval …
West Virginia Food Banks Continue to Operate at Full Capacity
Gassaway, W.Va. – Following the closure of all non-essential businesses, both Mountaineer Food Bank and Facing Hunger Foodbank have seen an increase in demand for assistance. To meet those needs, West Virginia’s two food banks have ramped up efforts to feed the state’s most vulnerable. While precautionary measures have been taken, both food banks continue operations to serve the needs …
WVDA Aiding Farmers Impacted By COVID-19
Charleston W.Va. — The West Virginia Department of Agriculture (WVDA) is working with local producers and farmers impacted by COVID-19 mitigation efforts by facilitating communication between producers and potential buyers. Business development and marketing staff have received calls from multiple producers are who experiencing a surplus of food or other burdens due to the pandemic. To assist these affected businesses, …