CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Five West Virginia agri-businesses, organizations, and agencies will share more than $300,000 in specialty crop block grant program funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, administered through the West Virginia Department of Agriculture.
The grants will support marketing, education, and research initiatives that strengthen West Virginia’s specialty crop industry. The U.S. Department of Agriculture defines specialty crops as fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture, and nursery crops, including floriculture.
W.Va. Commissioner of Agriculture Kent Leonhardt said the program will help recipients market their products and services to a larger audience.
“Here in West Virginia, a vast majority of our farms are small, family-owned businesses. Many of them are niche operations that take specialty crops available here in the Mountain State and market them to a wider audience,” Leonhardt said.
“The specialty crop block grant program continues to help drive innovation and grow our small farms in the state.”
2025 Specialty Crop Block Grant Recipients
West Virginia University – $43,721.44
West Virginia University will conduct research and outreach activities to identify solutions and educate growers on managing two major cucurbit diseases prevalent in West Virginia, boosting market yields and improving financial returns.
West Virginia University – $44,648.00
West Virginia University aims to identify genetic mutations linked to insecticide resistance in codling moths to help growers make informed decisions and improve pest management strategies.
Mountaineer Beekeepers Association – $11,359.56
The association will expand its community-based Honey Extraction Equipment Program statewide by adding five new kits and partnering with the West Virginia Farmers Market Association to enhance outreach, scheduling, and long-term sustainability.
West Virginia Food and Farm Coalition – $74,998.27
The West Virginia Food and Farm Coalition will pilot a comprehensive youth program in Pocahontas County that combines internships, curriculum development, year-round crop production, and farmer-led education to enhance agricultural learning, entrepreneurship, and local food system engagement for more than 500 students annually.
West Virginia Department of Agriculture – $43,263.63
The West Virginia Department of Agriculture will promote local specialty crops to consumers, retailers, and restaurants through its WV Grown program with digital advertising, promotions, outreach, training, and meetings.
West Virginia Department of Agriculture – $31,736.84
The West Virginia Department of Agriculture will support the state’s pumpkin specialty crop industry through agritourism marketing, the development of materials for farmers and consumers, and the promotion of farm tours and signage.
Wheeling Park High School Agriculture Program – $19,194.62
The Wheeling Park High School Agriculture Program will expand student learning in specialty crop production and sales by extending growing seasons, enhancing customer sales experiences, and building an ADA-compliant outdoor garden in collaboration with the carpentry and special education departments.
The Specialty Crop Block Grant Program is a USDA program that helps enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops through partnerships with state departments of agriculture.
Agriculture has long been a cornerstone of West Virginia’s economy and culture, shaped by the state’s rugged terrain, rich soils, and family farming traditions. While the Mountain State is not known for large-scale industrial farming, it boasts a thriving network of small and mid-sized farms that produce a diverse range of goods.
Cattle, poultry, and dairy remain the leading agricultural sectors, while hay, corn, and apples are among the top crops. Specialty agriculture has also grown in recent years, with farmers turning to niche markets such as maple syrup, honey, organic produce, and agritourism to supplement their income and attract visitors.
Today, West Virginia’s agricultural industry is as much about sustainability and diversification as it is about production. Farmers are increasingly adopting conservation practices, working with organizations such as the West Virginia Department of Agriculture and the West Virginia University Extension Service to promote soil health, forest stewardship, and water quality.
Agritourism—including farm stays, pumpkin patches, and vineyard tours—has become a key driver of rural development, connecting consumers directly with local producers. This blend of traditional farming and innovation ensures that agriculture remains vital to the state’s economy, landscape, and way of life.
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