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STATE AG COMMISSIONER CALLING FOR FARMERS' MARKET DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS
The West Virginia Department of Agriculture (WVDA) is seeking proposals from local governments and other non-profit entities interested in developing new farmers’ markets, or substantially improving existing markets. Four $50,000 grants will be awarded and must be matched by local funding.
“The goal of this project is to create four year-round markets in the state to complement our growing Farmers’ Market industry,” said Commissioner of Agriculture Gus R. Douglass. “The new markets will provide additional outlets for local produce farmers, as well as build consumer recognition of West Virginia’s numerous value-added food products. The result is better business in West Virginia’s rural communities and fresh food for the state's consumers. It will also build confidence in West Virginia’s homegrown products.”
Commissioner Douglass noted that consumer demand for locally grown food has increased dramatically over the past 15 years, in particular over the past two or three years due to national safety concerns and price hikes related to fuel costs.
“West Virginia has bucked the trend, nationally. West Virginia was one of four states in 2006 to report an increase in farms, and the number of farmers’ markets in the state has more than tripled since 1994.”
Commissioner Douglass also noted that between 1992 and 2002, the value of West Virginia agricultural products sold directly to consumers increased from $1.1 million to nearly $4.6 million.
“West Virginia leads the nation in the percentage of family-owned farms at over 95 percent, and we have a robust seasonal farmers’ market program. This initiative will propel us even further ahead of the curve. I am looking forward to seeing what kind of proposals we receive,” said Commissioner Douglass.”
Proposals must be made by West Virginia agricultural cooperatives, local governments, non-profit corporations, public benefit corporations, economic development corporations or regional farmers’ market authorities. They must contain a project description, goals, stages of work and resources required, expected time frames and the primary manager responsible for the project. They should also include entities that will benefit from the proposal and any information related to the proposed site of, or improvements to, the market facility.
Grant funding may be used for producer education programs, consumer education programs, market operations, management innovations, and purchase or construction of facilities.
Deadline for proposals is December 15, 2008. For more information, contact the WVDA Marketing and Development Division at 304-558-2210.
The West Virginia Department of Agriculture protects plant, animal and human health through a variety of scientific, regulatory and consumer protection programs, as mandated by state law. The Commissioner of Agriculture is one of six statewide elected officials in West Virginia. Currently, Commissioner Gus R. Douglass is the longest-serving agriculture commissioner in the nation. For more information, visit www.wvagriculture.org.
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