News Release 2-20-2002 |
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"TASTE OF WEST VIRGINIA" TO HIGHLIGHT AGRICULTURE DAY T THE CAPITOL State and federal agencies, producers and organizations will showcase agriculture during their annual “Agriculture and Soil Conservation Day” in the State Capitol Upper Rotunda Feb. 26 from 9:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m. Exhibitors will bring information and displays on a wide variety of agricultural and conservation-related topics. As an additional attraction, the West Virginia Department of Agriculture (WVDA) will sponsor a “Taste of West Virginia” public reception from 1:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. featuring samples of some of the Mountain State’s most delicious food products. “This is one of our best opportunities of the year to show off the superb products made by West Virginia agribusinesses,” said Commissioner of Agriculture Gus R. Douglass. “I hope everyone takes advantage of this opportunity to learn something about agriculture in our state and join us for a sampling of our great 'West Virginia Grown' products.” Some of the exhibitors: WVDA will feature displays from each of the agency’s divisions. New this year will be information on the Donated Foods Program, which WVDA began administering this year. For more information, contact Communications Officer Buddy Davidson at 304/558-3708. West Virginia Soil Conservation Agency (WVSCA) will have displays on the West Virginia Statewide Flood Protection Plan, the West Virginia Envirothon, Stream Restoration and its GIS/GPS technology. The state's fourteen Soil Conservation Districts will all be represented through their own displays, according to WVSCA Executive Director Lance Tabor. The Agency will also promote its Watershed Resource Center and related website (www.wvwrc.org). “This center will be a valuable resource for our many watershed organizations across the state,” said Tabor. “The new website is full of useful information about every West Virginia watershed. Many people don't realize that everyone in this state lives in a watershed.” For more information, contact Kevin Pauley at 304/558-2204. USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) will share information on its soil survey, grazing management and water quality. According to acting State Conservationist Jim Piper, approximately 90 percent of West Virginia farms are primarily grassland operations. “Our grassland case studies show that using prescribed grazing, winter grazing and other more intensive techniques significantly improves what a farmer earns from his land while reducing unneeded fertilizer, improving water quality, and saving time.” For more information, contact Peg Reese at 304/284-7547. Other organizations scheduled to exhibit include the Soil Conservation Service, West Virginia University, WVU Extension Service, WVU Extension Service County Agents Association, West Virginia Specialty Foods Co-op, Beekeepers Association, Division of Forestry, Farm Service Agency, Farm Bureau, Forestry Association, USDA Wildlife Resources, West Virginia Beekeepers Association, Future Farmers of America, Fairs & Festivals Association, Pilgrim’s Pride and West Virginia Farm Museum.
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