President Biden recently announced his administration’s goal to eliminate hunger and reduce diet-related diseases by 2030. His plan is based around five policy pillars; improve access to food, integrate nutrition and health, empower consumers to make healthy choices, support physical activity and enhance nutrition and food security research. Addressing these issues is crucial as we face rising energy prices, inflation …
WVDA Launches Merged WV Grown Homegrown by Heroes Logo
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The West Virginia Department of Agriculture (WVDA) announced an official agreement with the Farmer Veteran Coalition combining the WV Grown and Homegrown by Heroes logos into a blended mark. This marketing initiative informs consumers that agricultural products donning the mark are locally produced, grown, or with 50% or greater value-added within West Virginia and by a U.S. …
Op Ed: Inflation Reduction Act: A Threat Towards Food Resiliency
The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) is being touted as a big win for climate change as it makes available hundreds of billions of dollars for renewable energy. These industries will have access to loan guarantee and financial assistance programs making expansion viable in the United States. At the same time, it puts a burden on fossil fuels, disincentivizing the industry …
WVDA Awards $200,000 for SNAP Stretch
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The West Virginia Department of Agriculture (WVDA) has awarded $200,000 for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Stretch benefits to the West Virginia Food and Farm Coalition. SNAP Stretch dollars allow recipients to double or triple their spending power at farmers’ markets and farm stands across West Virginia. For every dollar purchased with a SNAP/EBT card, the customer …
WV Farm Museum on Full Display During Country Fall Fest Oct. 1-2
POINT PLEASANT, W.Va. – From antique engines to quilting to a gospel sing, the West Virginia State Farm Museum will pull out all the stops during its annual Country Fall Festival Saturday and Sunday Oct. 1-2. Located seven miles north of Point Pleasant, just off Route 62, the museum features numerous historical structures that have been moved to or recreated …
Commissioner Leonhardt Welcomes Mountaintop Beverage to West Virginia
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – West Virginia Commissioner of Agriculture Kent Leonhardt formally welcomed the state-of-the-art beverage manufacturing facility, Mountaintop Beverage, to Morgantown, W.Va. Commissioner Leonhardt and the West Virginia Department of Agriculture (WVDA) has been working with the company since 2019 to secure a location in the Mountain State. The company will be fully operational by the fourth quarter of this …