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Agriculture in West Virginia plays a vital role in supporting the state’s economy, rural communities, and sustainable way of life. With fertile farmland and family-owned farms, West Virginia produces high-quality crops, livestock, dairy products, and specialty goods like maple syrup and honey. Local agriculture provides fresh, healthy food for residents and visitors while fueling farmers markets, farm-to-table restaurants, and agritourism experiences that attract tourists. The agriculture industry also helps preserve open spaces, protect natural resources, and maintain the scenic landscapes that define the Mountain State. By supporting local farmers and sustainable practices, West Virginia’s agriculture industry strengthens rural economies and promotes a healthy, resilient future for generations to come. Welcome to the Agritourism news directory at West Virginia Explorer. Be sure to visit our Agritourism guide for more information about agritourism in West Virginia.

Young orange-and-white tabby kitten resting beside a terracotta flowerpot and turquoise planter.
Agriculture

West Virginia spay-neuter program faces funding shortfall after helping 98,000 animals

by Clyde Craig

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — A West Virginia program that has helped spay and neuter more than 98,000 dogs and cats since 2018 is seeking additional funding as a major private grant approaches its conclusion. Agriculture Commissioner Kent Leonhardt has asked Gov. Patrick Morrisey for discretionary funding to sustain the W.Va. Spay-Neuter Assistance Program, which has provided … Read more

Long rows of cultivated crops stretch toward a distant tree line beneath a broad evening sky.
Agriculture

West Virginia agriculture commissioner warns data centers could threaten valuable farmland

by David Sibray

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Thousands of acres along West Virginia’s Ohio River are being targeted for massive data center developments, prompting the state’s agriculture commissioner to warn that industrial expansion could permanently reduce the farmland available for food production. Agriculture Commissioner Kent Leonhardt is urging developers to avoid productive agricultural land when selecting sites for data … Read more

A person holds several green pawpaws gathered in a blue denim shirt outdoors.
Agriculture

West Virginia grants target new markets for pawpaws, forest crops

by David Sibray

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Eight West Virginia agricultural projects have received federal grants, including those focused on expanding forest farming, developing food products from native pawpaws, and helping small growers process their harvests. The W.Va. Department of Agriculture announced the awards through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Specialty Crop Block Grant Program, which supports research, education, … Read more

A massive plume of black smoke rises from the Peoples Cartage warehouse fire in Parkersburg on July 5, 2026. The fire prompted extensive environmental testing of water, soil and agricultural products in the surrounding area. (Photo by Dan Fauxsmith/CC BY-SA 4.0)
Agriculture

Contaminants found after massive Parkersburg warehouse fire, but below federal action levels

by Clyde Craig

PARKERSBURG, W.Va. — Environmental testing following the massive July warehouse fire in Parkersburg has detected low concentrations of contaminants in some soil, produce, vegetation and honey samples, although state officials say results received so far have not reached federal action levels or warranted additional protective measures. The findings are part of an ongoing investigation and … Read more

A spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) adult winged.
Agriculture

Spotted lanternfly reaches Kanawha County as invasive pest spread across West Virginia

by Will Reedy

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The invasive spotted lanternfly has been confirmed in Kanawha County, marking another step in the insect’s steady expansion across West Virginia. Officials with the W.Va. Department of Agriculture said an infestation was discovered in St. Albans near the intersection of West Main Street and Strawberry Road. The U.S. Department of Agriculture‘s Animal … Read more

West Virginia strawberries: The state's climate and geography have long provided favorable conditions for highly perishable strawberries.
Agriculture

WVU researcher develops robot that could transform West Virginia strawberry farming

by Clyde Craig

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — A groundbreaking robotic harvesting technology, developed with the help of a West Virginia University researcher, could one day transform how strawberries and other delicate fruits are grown and harvested in West Virginia, reducing food waste while helping farmers deliver higher-quality produce to consumers. The innovation comes as strawberry production continues to grow in … Read more

Larvae of the New World Screwworm fly burrow into the flesh of living animals, causing serious, often deadly damage. (USDA Image)
Agriculture

W.Va. agriculture officials monitoring screwworm after first U.S. detection

by Clyde Craig

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia agriculture officials say they are closely monitoring the recent detection of the destructive New World screwworm in Texas and have emergency response plans in place should the pest spread beyond the Southwest. The W.Va. Department of Agriculture in Charleston issued a statement Thursday after the U.S. Department of Agriculture confirmed … Read more

Keeping poinsettias vibrant starts with bright light, cool temperatures and careful watering only when the top inch of soil is dry. (WVU Extension Photo)
Agriculture

How to keep poinsettias healthy through the holidays—and for years to come

by Bianca Bosworth

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — With their vivid colors and deep holiday roots, poinsettias remain one of the most recognizable plants of the season in West Virginia. Keeping them healthy through the holidays—and even for many years—is easier than many people think. Sven Verlinden, an associate professor at West Virginia University in Morgantown, said poinsettias can stay … Read more

Chickens, turkeys, ducks, geese, guinea fowl, quail, pheasants, and backyard mixed flocks are highly susceptible to Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza. (Photo courtesy Ditya Tma)
Agriculture

West Virginia confirms new avian influenza in backyard flock in Jackson County

by David Sibray

RIPLEY, W.Va. — State officials have confirmed the presence of highly pathogenic avian influenza in a backyard flock in Barn on Cabin Fork in Jackson County, West Virginia[/caption] West Virginia Commissioner of Agriculture Kent Leonhardt said backyard flocks are especially susceptible during winter migrations. “As we enter the winter migration season, this case should serve … Read more