Facing what our new Governor describes as a “massive deficit” in our state budget, I can’t help but notice that Medicaid and PEIA are among the primary causes. This raises an important question. What could we have done over the past few decades to reduce these expenses? The answer is simple – promote healthier outcomes through better diet and nutrition. …
16th Winter Blues Farmers Market Returns with Over 120 West Virginia Agribusinesses
Charleston – The Winter Blues Farmers Market returns for its 16th year on March 1 to the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center from noon to 5 p.m. The Market wraps up the annual West Virginia Small Farm Conference (Feb. 26 – March 1), sponsored by WVU Extension and the West Virginia Department of Agriculture (WVDA). More than 120 agribusinesses from …
WVDA Secures Legal Victory in Beekeeping Case
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The West Virginia Department of Agriculture (WVDA) has achieved a major legal victory for farmers and beekeepers across the state. In November 2024, the WVDA intervened in the Kanawha County Circuit Court case Alex Urban v. City of South Charleston to defend the rights of West Virginians to engage in agricultural practices, including beekeeping. This effort was …
Poultry Exhibition and Sale Events Suspended in West Virginia
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The West Virginia Department of Agriculture (WVDA) is suspending all poultry exhibitions, shows, swaps, meets, and sales at flea markets or auction markets in response to the ongoing threat of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI). This decision follows recent HPAI confirmations in commercial poultry operations in multiple surrounding states, as well as a confirmed case in a …
Nominations Now Open for Inductees to the 2025 West Virginia Agriculture and Forestry Hall of Fame
Charleston – The West Virginia Division of Forestry (WVDOF) today announced that nominations are open for the next round of honorees for West Virginia’s Agriculture and Forestry Hall of Fame (WVAFHF). The Hall of Fame highlights the people, businesses, organizations, institutions and foundations that have significantly contributed to agriculture, forestry and family life in West Virginia. Selected nominees will be …
Deadline Approaching: WVDA Drought Recovery Program – Enroll by Jan. 30!
Don’t miss this crucial opportunity for drought recovery assistance CHARLESTON, W.Va. – To combat the severe drought affecting West Virginia in 2024, the state legislature has allocated $10 million in surplus funds to create the West Virginia Department of Agriculture’s (WVDA) Drought Recovery Program. Those eligible are livestock farmers, who are already enrolled in the USDA-Farm Service Agency (FSA) Livestock …