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8-11-2008

WEST VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE TO AWARD $100,000 IN WEST VIRGINIA SPECIALTY CROP GRANT FUNDS DURING STATE FAIR OF WEST VIRGINIA

Charleston, W.Va. – What: The West Virginia Department of Agriculture (WVDA) will be awarding nearly $100,000 in grants to state farmers to assist them in the promotion of the various specialty crops they grow. Eligible crops include fruits, vegetables, herbs, horticulture, nursery stock and value-added products using crops that fall within the definition of specialty crops. The grant money came from the United States Department of Agriculture through the Farm Bill. 

In 2007, 16 projects were funded.  In 2008, 61 applications totaling $393,612.80 were submitted for consideration. The funding available to disburse totaled $98,736. Thirty-five grants were accepted for full or partial funding.

Since West Virginia farms are small in size - with 50 percent being less than 100 acres - this economic development tool is intended to help farmers adequately promote their specialty crops. When a resort or restaurant buys specialty items from out-of-state vendors, those monies are lost to the West Virginia economy. West Virginia farms are perfect for production of specialty crops which could mean a potential annual market value of $300 million.

When/Where: The news conference will be held at the West Virginia State Fair, West Virginia Building, 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, August 12, 2008. A number of grant recipients, from across the state, will be receiving their checks at the news conference from Agriculture Commissioner Gus Douglass.

Details: The event is open to all media and is being held in the West Virginia Building at the WV State Fair.

Any question as it pertains to the event and media coverage should be directed to WVDA Communications Officer Buddy Davidson at 304-541-5932.

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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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