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.
The West Virginia Department of Agriculture has received certification of approval from the U.S. Department of Agriculture 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, according to W.Va. Commissioner of Agriculture Kent Leonhardt. … Read more
Following the closure of all non-essential businesses in West Virginia, the state’s two food banks have ramped up efforts to feed the vulnerable, according to the state Department of Agriculture. While precautionary measures have been taken, both food banks continue operations to serve the needs of those facing hunger in all West Virginia counties, Commissioner … Read more
Farming in West Virginia is not what it was, and Sam Tuckwiller knows it for a fact. For more than six generations, Tuckwillers have been farming the Greenbrier Valley, and Sam, who raises Angus cattle with sons Ben and Byron, was born just before World War II— before the world changed—and he remembers a time … Read more
Officials at the West Virginia Department of Agriculture are working with producers and farmers impacted by COVID-19 mitigation efforts by facilitating communication between producers and potential buyers. The department’s 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, according … Read more
More than 2,300 West Virginians have signed up so far for “Grow This: WV Garden Challenge,” an annual program by the West Virginia University Extension Service’s Family Nutrition Program that encourages home gardening. Launched in 2018, the program usually has a few hundred participants each year but has seen a surge in interest after the … Read more
Café Appalachia is teaming up with the West Virginia State University Extension Service to host a six-part series of gardening workshops through October 2020. The free Lunch-&-Learn events will begin March 26 with a session on raised bed construction and irrigation. Each session will take place from 10 a.m. until noon at Café Appalachia in … Read more
The West Virginia Department of Agriculture is offering full reimbursement to fruit and vegetable producers who have completed its Good Handling Practices and Good Agricultural Practices programs. The audits are voluntary efforts that verify fruits and vegetables are being produced, packed, handled, and stored as safely as possible to minimize risks of microbial food safety … Read more
A decline in population across West Virginia may be contributing to a drop in traditional spring ramp feasts, despite increased interest among tourists and younger generations. The fluctuations are apparent, though not quantifiable, says the publisher of West Virginia Explorer Magazine, which produces an annual online David Vincent enjoys a ramp dinner at the Richwood … Read more
ITMANN, W.Va. — Nestled among some of the steepest mountains in southern West Virginia, Wyoming County is weathering equally steep economic struggles. Almost wholly reliant on a declining coal-mining industry, it’s seen its population nearly halve since 1950, and many residents struggle to make ends meet. When Arnold Simonse kept seeing the same families every … Read more
Technology is providing a boost for farming and agritourism in the northern New River Gorge Region, thanks to a partnership between a central-Appalachian agricultural collective and a community farm initiative near Fayetteville, West Virginia. Turnrow Appalachian Farm Collective will host a community dinner and launch party at Arrowhead Bike Farm near Fayetteville on March 6 … Read more
