Agriculture

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

The extension service of West Virginia State University will host a workshop series on sustainable production management through spatial analysis beginning Feb. 25, 2020. The series is ideal for producers who own or lease land for agricultural purposes, according to Dr. Annette G. Ericksen, assistant director for agriculture and natural resources at the university. “This … Read more

The Winter Blues Farmers’ Market will return to the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center in Charleston, West Virginia, Saturday, Feb. 22 from 1-5 p.m. The market will feature local food products and is sponsored by the West Virginia Department of Agriculture and the WVU Extension Small Farm Center and is held in conjunction with the … Read more

The production of maple syrup is a time-honored tradition in West Virginia, and it’s enjoying an economic resurgence while attracting a new group of tourists to the mountains—especially to the high Alleghenies. Pocahontas County, the loftiest county in the state, enjoys the freezing temperatures necessary to create some of the state’s best maple syrups, and … Read more

The West Virginia Department of Agriculture has submitted the state’s plan to regulate industrial hemp to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and officials are working toward the most business-friendly outcome possible. Commissioner of Agriculture Kent Leonhardt said his office will continue to work with producers, who in 2019 produced a remarkably successful crop. “There is … Read more

The West Virginia Department of Agriculture has launched a new agricultural training series for veterans in West Virginia, according to state Commissioner of Agriculture Kent Leonhardt. The Veteran Education Training Series, also known as VETS, will host its first session “Boots-to-Business” at the West Virginia Small Farm Conference on February 20, though more classes will … Read more

With more than 400 million maple trees, it’s no wonder maple syrup is one of the fastest-growing industries in West Virginia. To help keep the momentum and overcome challenges, a team of West Virginia University experts wants to educate landowners, foresters and loggers on the nuances of southern sugarbush management. According to Jamie Schuler, lead … Read more

The West Virginia Department of Agriculture is now seeking requests for applications for 2020 specialty crop block grants. Funds awarded are used to enhance the production, processing, and consumption of specialty crops in West Virginia. State Commissioner of Agriculture Kent Leonhardt called the capital access program vital. “One of the largest barriers to small business … Read more

The West Virginia Department of Agriculture has confirmed the presence of a new invasive insect, the Spotted Lanternfly (Lycormia delicatula), in West Virginia. A small population of spotted lanternflies was detected in the Bunker Hill area of Berkeley County on October 30, and the findings were confirmed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The spotted … Read more

Healthberry Farm has been awarded a silver medal in the sweet varietal mead category for its Honey River Basswood Mead, made with raw honey and spring water sourced on the farm in the Allegheny Mountains. Healthberry Farm owner Benjamin McKean says he’s honored to represent the state’s honey industry. “It is an honor to be … Read more