Commissioner Leonhardt: Goals and Promises for 2021

The last year has been one of the roughest in recent memory. Mainly due to the pandemic, we as Americans have experienced loss, hardship and new challenges that haven’t been seen in several decades. As many of us try to leave 2020 behind, we can look towards the hope the new year will bring. As your Commissioner of Agriculture, 2021 …

West Virginia Spay and Neuter Assistance Program

DIVISION MENUHow It Works The West Virginia Spay Neuter Assistance Program, or WVSNP, is a legislatively created program with the purpose of having more dogs and cats sterilized, thereby reducing shelter populations and costs, euthanasia rates and threats to public health and safety from rabies and other problems posed by the growing population of stray, feral and abandoned dogs and …

WVDA Announces the Request for Applications for Specialty Crop Block Grants

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The West Virginia Department of Agriculture (WVDA) has announced FY21 Request for Applications for United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Specialty Crop Block Grants. The WVDA anticipates West Virginia will receive approximately $270,000 from which multiple grants will be awarded. Applications are due January 19, 2021. “Specialty crop funding allows West Virginia agriculture commodities to explore and …

West Virginia Farm Museum to Host Christmas Lights Show

Point Pleasant, W.Va. – The West Virginia State Farm Museum Christmas Light Show will come to life Friday, Dec. 4, and will run every night from 6-9 p.m. through Dec. 13. Due to pandemic, the event will be drive-through only. The display is free and open to the public, but donations are encouraged. “The light show is a safe and …

The Emotional Case for Eating Healthy

As the days get colder and shorter, many Americans will experience what we call “seasonal depression.” Lack of vitamin C, personal interactions and social events are the root for many that experience this illness. It can cause folks to lose interest in activities, feel tired or even gain weight from overeating. Add the anxiety many of our citizens have felt …

WV Hemp Farmers to Operate Under 2014 Farm Bill Another Year

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – West Virginia will continue to operate under the 2014 Farm Bill for the 2021 Hemp Growing Season. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) extended the period States could continue to operate under current regulations as federal guidelines are finalized. That means hemp farmers in the Mountain State will see no changes to the current regulations for …