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 …
Leonhardt Urges Farmers to Prepare for Possible Storms
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – As the remnants of Hurricane Laura batter the southern U.S. on Thursday, West Virginia and the Mid-Atlantic are expecting high winds and heavy rain to hit sometime this weekend. The West Virginia Department of Agriculture (WVDA) and Commissioner of Agriculture Kent Leonhardt want to remind farmers and landowners to be proactive in preparing for possible storms that …
Leonhart Calls for More Funding for SNAP
Charleston, W.Va. – Commissioner of Agriculture Kent Leonhardt sent the following letter to Governor Jim Justice on Wednesday, August 26.
West Virginia Department of Agriculture Launches New, Consumer-Focused Website
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The West Virginia Department of Agriculture (WVDA) launched a new, consumer-focused website on Tuesday, August 25, 2020. The new site has been streamlined to give users easier access to licenses, forms and applications, as well as a constituent service portal to contact the Department and Commissioner of Agriculture Kent Leonhardt. The redesign of the website was handled …
Emergency Food Assistance Available to Pantries
Charleston W.Va. — West Virginia is to receive an additional $24 million worth of food commodities in 2020 through the Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) and CARES Act. These items will be distributed by the West Virginia Department of Agriculture (WVDA) and the state’s two food banks, Mountaineer Food Bank in Gassaway and Facing Hunger in Huntington, to approved food …