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.
Industrial hemp farmers in West Virginia more than quadrupled crop production in 2019 compared to the previous year, according to the West Virginia Department of Agriculture.This year, 132 farmers grew 641 acres of industrial hemp, according to Commissioner of Agriculture Kent Leonhardt—a significant increase from the 155 acres grown in 2018.“We must be doing something … Read more
Officials at the state Department of Agriculture are offering the following recommendations to farmers whose livestock are suffering from water shortages as a result of drought.Commissioner of Agriculture Kent Leonhardt says steps can be taken to remedy some problems now and as winter approaches.“When the weather gets this hot, farmers have to use extra resources … Read more
The process of making butter is known to be older than civilization, and a limitless variety of butter-making methods certainly exist—ranging from the production of ghee in southern Asia to bog butter in northern Europe. Simply put, the making of butter requires that microscopic globules of butterfat in cream be agitated, or churned, until the … Read more
The sunflower has long been one of the most familiar garden plants in West Virginia, and many of its uses were passed along to early settlers by their Native American neighbors.Members of the sunflower species can be found growing in the wild in the Mountain State, and I was lucky to find a pasture full … Read more
West Virginia leads the U.S. in the number of small farmers, and a team of researchers at West Virginia University is hoping to help them increase the safety of the local foods sold to communities.Researchers are developing a three-step wash process to help mitigate food safety risks associated with locally grown fresh produce in the … Read more
The West Virginia Department of Agriculture today announced that it is waiving movement entry requirements for animals being evacuated into West Virginia due to Hurricane Dorian.The State Fair of West Virginia is also offering temporary shelter for evacuated equine and can accommodate up to 100 horses.“West Virginians are always quick to respond to those in … Read more
During the 2019 State Fair of West Virginia, a Veterans-and-Warriors-to-Agriculture Advisory Council was formed to establish a cooperative body to tackle veteran issues through agriculture in West Virginia.The council will help streamline and coordinate efforts between many groups, according to Commissioner of Agriculture Kent Leonhardt.“We found there are a lot of organizations focused on helping … Read more
The application period for the state’s industrial hemp program will open September 1, 2019, according to officials at the West Virginia Department of Agriculture.Those interested in growing industrial hemp for the 2020 growing season must submit an application and all required materials by September 30, 2019, to be considered for licensure, Commissioner of Agriculture Kent … Read more
A common West Virginia wildflower, though not an American native, Queen Anne’s Lace appears to have traveled ahead of European settlers as they arrived in the region. Belonging to the carrot family, Daucus carota is native to temperate regions of Europe and southwest Asia and is naturalized to North America and Australia. It’s a biennial … Read more
The West Virginia Department of Agriculture has confirmed that some plants shipped to Rural King stores in West Virginia are being recalled because of the plant disease Phytophthora ramorum.Rural King stores have agreed to initiate a voluntary recall of rhododendron plants from affected stores, according to Commissioner of Agriculture Kent Leonhardt.“If you purchased a rhododendron … Read more
