Communities

As farmers’ markets in West Virginia open for the season, West Virginia University is providing recommendations to help market managers and vendors safely sell their products. Dee Singh-Knights, an agribusiness economics specialist with the university’s extension service, says precautions must be taken to keep customers and farmers safe. Under the West Virginia governor’s current stay-at-home … Read more

The Early White Half-Runner Bean, beloved across the northern U.S., originated in West Virginia among the hill farms of southern Calhoun County. Though it may have been brought to the mountains from Germany generations before, it was first identified here. Tom Hardman, chairman of Alberts Chapel at Sand Ridge, WV.[/caption] “For years, according to my … Read more

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