RIPLEY, W.Va. – Since 2017, the West Virginia Department of Agriculture (WVDA) has made significant improvements to the WVDA Commodity Distribution Center located in Ripley, WV. The center is responsible for distribution of food provided by USDA programs to West Virginia schools and food banks serving all 55 counties in the state. In total, $1.4 million worth of improvements, mostly …
USDA Approves West Virginia’s Industrial Hemp Plan
Charleston W.Va. — The West Virginia Department of Agriculture (WVDA) has received certification of approval from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) for the plan submitted regarding the regulation of industrial hemp. Approval for the plan means producers will continue to be regulated at the state level in lieu of federal oversight. States had to submit and gain approval …
West Virginia Food Banks Continue to Operate at Full Capacity
Gassaway, W.Va. – Following the closure of all non-essential businesses, both Mountaineer Food Bank and Facing Hunger Foodbank have seen an increase in demand for assistance. To meet those needs, West Virginia’s two food banks have ramped up efforts to feed the state’s most vulnerable. While precautionary measures have been taken, both food banks continue operations to serve the needs …
WVDA Aiding Farmers Impacted By COVID-19
Charleston W.Va. — The West Virginia Department of Agriculture (WVDA) is working with local producers and farmers impacted by COVID-19 mitigation efforts by facilitating communication between producers and potential buyers. Business development and marketing staff have received calls from multiple producers are who experiencing a surplus of food or other burdens due to the pandemic. To assist these affected businesses, …
Agriculture is Critical Infrastructure in a Crisis
Currently, the COVID-19 pandemic is putting a lot of strain on our country, as well as shifting society as we know it. Many of us are adjusting to “social distancing,” businesses are struggling to adapt and our daily lives are changing in ways we have not seen in a hundred years. To make it through this crisis, vital services become …
WVDA Issues Recommendations for Farmers Markets, Encourages Support for Local Foods
Charleston W.Va. — The West Virginia Department of Agriculture (WVDA) has released guidelines for farmers’ markets and on-farm markets during the COVID-19 pandemic. The recommendations are to be used to mitigate the spread of the virus while keeping crucial agriculture-based businesses operating. “We have received many inquiries from markets regarding how they should operate during this trying time. We are …