CHARLESTON, W.Va. – West Virginia Maple syrup production increased by 2,000 gallons in 2020 for a total of 16,000 gallons for the year. This increased occurred despite a 5,000 decrease from total number of taps placed in 2019, 80,000. Yield per tap was 0.213 gallons, up from the 2019 yield per tap of 0.175 gallons. “Even though our producers faced …
Commissioner of Agriculture Releases Statement Regarding Cancellation of the State Fair of WV
Charleston W.Va. — Following the cancellation of the 2020 State Fair of West Virginia, Commissioner of Agriculture Kent Leonhardt released the following statement: “It is disappointing there will be no State Fair of West Virginia this year, but we understand the circumstances that led to decision the Fair Board made. The fair brings an economic boost to the region, is …
Sale of Japanese Barberry Outlawed July 1
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The sale or distribution of Japanese barberry, Berberis thunbergii DC, will be illegal in West Virginia starting July 1, 2020. During the 2018 regular legislative session, Japanese barberry was added to the West Virginia “noxious weeds” list as part of an effort to control the invasive plant. An amendment allowed a phase-in period for existing stock to …
WVDA Mandates Imported Commercial Swine Enter Processing Channels Upon Entry
Charleston W.Va. — The West Virginia Department of Agriculture (WVDA) is mandating all imported commercial swine arriving in West Virginia related to COVID-19 be processed upon entry into the state. Currently, the WVDA is waiving Certificates of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) for imported swine if they are immediately processed and do no re-enter commerce. “When fellow citizens need our help, West …
WV Commissioner of Ag Calls For Passage of New Markets for State Inspected Meat and Poultry Act
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 …