W.Va. Small Farm Center

Burning Question:

Do you know where your food has been?
What $6.8 billion industry has room to expand in West Virginia?

A Growing Industry in a Shrinking Economy

In many instances, processed food travels more miles than the people who eat it have.  WVU Extension Service is looking to change that by helping the state’s 21,000 farmers reach a wider consumer base through its Small Farm Center.

The Small Farm Center goes beyond teaching business basics by introducing new marketing techniques for staple products like beef and potatoes.

Facts about Small Farms/ Eat Local

• Even “big” farms in West Virginia are considered “small” farms nationally.
• West Virginians spend $6.8 billion on food each year.
• West Virginia has only one commercial dairy left.
• Farmers capture only 19 cents of every dollar spent on food in West Virginia.

Local Foods and Small Farms…

… are more nutritious
… bring communities together
… can be safer to eat
… keep money in communities

The W.Va. Small Farm Center Website is expected to launch this fall.

Thanks for your patience.

Resources

Farmers Market Vendor Guide (PDF)
Guidelines for selling at local farmers markets from the W.Va. Department of Agriculture and W.Va. Department of Health and Human Resources.

Past Conferences

2009 Small Farm Conference