CHARLESTON, W.Va. – West Virginia Commissioner of Agriculture Kent Leonhardt released the following statement regarding the COVID-19 pandemic: “The West Virginia Department of Agriculture is taking the necessary precautions to reduce risk of infection to all employees. Employees who are able conduct their duties at home, have been instructed as such. Those who are still required to come to work …
WVDA Offers Reimbursement for Good Agricultural Practices and Good Handling Practices Audits
Charleston W.Va. — The WV Department of Agriculture (WVDA) is now offering full reimbursement to producers who have successfully completed the Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and Good Handling Practices (GHP) audits. GAP/GHP audits are voluntary efforts that verify fruits and vegetables are being produced, packed, handled and stored as safely as possible to minimize risks of microbial food safety hazards. …
WVDA Laboratories Vital to WV Food System
There are three basic necessities for life; shelter, water and food. Each is vital to survival, but food is at the forefront of our daily lives. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Lunch plans give way to debates between coworkers. Dinner is a time for families to bond. Regardless of your pallet, food influences our mood, the …
EPA, WVDA Sign Pact to Expand Efforts Supporting Clean Water, Healthy Farms
Charleston W.Va. — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the West Virginia Department of Agriculture (WVDA) signed a five-year, first-of-its-kind Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) today to expand joint activities supporting the agencies’ shared goal of cleaner water and sustainable farms. EPA Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Cosmo Servidio and West Virginia Agriculture Commissioner Kent Leonhardt signed the agreement at the West Virginia …
Winter Blues Farmers’ Market Returning to Charleston Coliseum in 2020
Charleston W.Va. — The Winter Blues Farmers’ Market will be returning to the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center Saturday, Feb. 22 from 1-5 p.m. The market will feature local food products and is sponsored by the West Virginia Department of Agriculture (WVDA) and the WVU Extension Small Farm Center and is held in conjunction with the West Virginia Small Farm …
Commissioner of Agriculture Pushes Expansion of Veterans to Agriculture Program
Charleston W.Va. — Commissioner of Agriculture Kent Leonhardt is asking the West Virginia Legislature to pass a bill to rename and expand the West Virginia Department of Agriculture’s (WVDA) Veterans and Warriors to Agriculture Program. House Bill 4693 would rename the program to the “Veterans and Heroes to Agriculture Program,” as well as authorize the scope of the program to …