CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The West Virginia Department of Agriculture (WVDA) is urging landowners to sign up for the Cooperative State-County-Landowner (CSCL) Gypsy Moth Suppression program. The program is focused on protecting the landowners’ forested acreage from devastating effects caused by the invasive gypsy moth. The sign-up period runs from July 1 until August 31, 2020. “West Virginia’s forests are one …
WVDA Launches “Veterans and Heroes to Agriculture” Program
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The West Virginia Department of Agriculture (WVDA) is proud to announce the launch of the Veterans and Heroes to Agriculture program. The program, formerly known as Veterans and Warriors to Agriculture, had its named changed with the passage of House Bill 4693 which was signed into law during the 2020 Legislative Session. With that name change, the …
Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Vouchers Being Distributed
CHARLESTON, W. Va. – Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Vouchers are now being distributed to all 55 counties in West Virginia. Vouchers are distributed by the West Virginia Department of Agriculture (WVDA) through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)’s Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP). Vouchers can be exchanged for fresh, nutritious, unprepared, locally grown fruits, vegetables, honey and herbs …
West Virginia Maple Syrup Producers See Increase for 2020
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 …