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News Release 2-27-2000

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FEBRUARY 2, 2000 IS AGRICULTURE & SOIL CONSERVATION DAY
AT THE WEST VIRGINIA LEGISLATURE

CHARLESTON, W.VA. – The West Virginia Department of Agriculture (WVDA) and the West Virginia Soil Conservation Agency (WVSCA) will host "Agriculture and Soil Conservation Day" at the West Virginia Legislature on Wednesday, February 2, 2000. More than 50 representatives from various agricultural groups will have informative displays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. throughout the Main Capitol Building.  From 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., "A Taste of West Virginia" located near the Capitol Rotunda will feature samples of food products from across the Mountain State.

THE DROUGHT OF 1999 – As Agriculture & Soil Conservation Day draws attention to farming, the main issue facing West Virginia's 21,000 family farms is survival from last year's water shortage. After $200 million in damage, West Virginia's agriculture is still recovering as the next growing season approaches. Aid, such as livestock feed assistance and programs to improve water sources, has helped but current weather conditions have not adequately replaced the State's rural water supply. Agriculture Commissioner Gus R. Douglass appreciates the teamwork between the WVDA, Governor Underwood and the West Virginia Legislature that provided more than $3.5 million to help West Virginia's farmers survive this natural disaster. An emergency program that produced immediate results was the distribution of water tanks statewide.  Lance Tabor, Executive Director of the WVSCA, stated that thanks to a cooperative effort with the Governor's Office of Emergency Services and United States Department of Agriculture's agencies, more than 550 farmers were able to obtain the 300-gallon water tanks.  Additional programs are being developed with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and Farm Service Agency to help our farmers continue into the next year.

Other important issues that Agriculture Commissioner Gus R. Douglass wants to see addressed during this legislative session include:
FARMLAND PRESERVATION - While economic growth and the expansion of our cities have been profitable for some West Virginians, the farming heritage of West Virginia is in danger of being lost. Passing this legislation would enable West Virginia to qualify for federal assistance from the Farmland Protection Program administered by NRCS. In addition to saving the half a billion dollar agricultural industry in West Virginia, the goal of farmland preservation legislation is to maintain portions of our farmland as natural filters of air and water, as well as an important part of our scenic beauty.

TOBACCO FUNDS - Agriculture Commissioner Gus R. Douglass is requesting a portion of the tobacco settlement money to be made available to West Virginia's tobacco farmers.

For more information about Agriculture & Soil Conservation Day at the West Virginia Legislature, contact: Bill Bissett, Public Relations, WVDA 304/558-2201; Kevin Pauley, Public Information Specialist, WVSCA 304/558-2204; or Peg Reese, Public Relations, NRCS 304/284-7540 Ext. 7547.

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