CHARLESTON, W.Va. – In celebration of National Agriculture Day, Commissioner of Agriculture Kent Leonhardt released the following statement: “Today we should recognize and say thanks to all that feed the world. This year’s National Agriculture Day is even more special as the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of our local food systems. In the early days of the pandemic, the …
WVDA to Host Farm Training May 7
LAKIN, W.Va. – The West Virginia Department of Agriculture will be hosting a Farm Training Day from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Friday, May 7, 2021 at the Lakin State Farm. The event is tentatively scheduled to be held outdoors and social distancing will be observed. There is no cost to attend, but registration is required. “As the state …
WVDA Encourages Farmers to Apply for PPP Loans
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The West Virginia Department of Agriculture (WVDA) and Commissioner of Agriculture Kent Leonhardt are hoping West Virginia Farmers affected by COVID-19 will apply for Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans. On Wednesday, February 24, President Joe Biden ordered the Small Business Administration to establish a 14-day, exclusive PPP Loan application period for businesses and nonprofits with fewer than …
The Case for an Agriculture Business Development Fund
Within the first days of the Biden Administration, Vice-President Kamala Harris held a roundtable discussion with West Virginia media outlets on the administration’s plans for rural states. Part of this maneuver was to put pressure on lone West Virginia Democrat, Senator Joe Manchin, to support President Biden’s stimulus package. The new administration is also hopeful to make in-roads with a …
Commissioner Leonhardt Calls on Farmers to Utilize Farm-to-Food Bank Tax Credit
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – West Virginia Commissioner of Agriculture Kent Leonhardt is encouraging farmers to consider donating agricultural products under the West Virginia’s Farm-to-Food Bank Tax Credit. Passed in 2017, producers who wish to donate fresh, healthy agricultural products to local food banks can earn a tax credit up to $2,500. The credit can be used against personal income tax or …
WV Agencies Host Statewide Agritourism Roundtable
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The West Virginia Department of Agriculture (WVDA) held a statewide virtual agritourism roundtable Tuesday, February 9, 2021 with key government officials and agritourism producers. Commissioner of Agriculture Kent Leonhardt, Tourism Commissioner Chelsea Ruby and Commerce Secretary Ed Gaunch discussed key issues facing the agritourism industry and how to further develop the industry. State Senator Patricia Rucker (R-16) also …