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 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 … 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 … 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 … 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 … 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 … 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 … Read more
One of West Virginia’s best-known native shrubs, American Elderberry (Sambucus canadensis), has long been regarded as a cold-and-flu remedy in Appalachia, was highly regarded by the Celts, and was sacred to many Native American tribes. It’s an ideal plant for managing transition zones in woodland areas as well. For all its notoriety, it’s a common … Read more
The W.Va. Department of Agriculture is urging landowners in the Mountain State to sign up for its cooperative Gypsy Moth suppression program to help slow the spread of the invasive gypsy moth. The sign-up period will run from July 1 until August 31, according to Kent Leonhardt, Commissioner of Agriculture, who said invasive pests are … Read more
Fayette County officials are set to unveil on Saturday the region’s first community farm, an agricultural initiative designed to support sustainable development. To occupy the historic Whitlock Farm on W.Va. 16 two miles south of Fayetteville, West Virginia, the project will provide for community gardens, a local food distribution site, sustainable farming educational opportunities, vocational … Read more
