19-03-2025
It's National Agriculture Week!
BECKLEY, WV (WVNS) — It's all about Agriculture this week as the country celebrates National Ag Week.
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According to the West Virginia Department of Economic Development, in 2022 agriculture products generated more than $900 million for the state's economy.
While there are a few big producers in the state, like United Dairy and Perdue Chicken, most of the state's more than 22,000 farms are small productions.
Even the average home grower can contribute to the state's agriculture economy.
Keith Richmond, County Executive Director for the Raleigh County, said it's easy.
'If you're raising a garden, you got a little bit extra, take it to the farmer's market, set up alongside of the road and sell it. It's a way that provides a little bit of income, plus it's putting stuff right back into the local economy,' said Richmond.
Farmer's markets in the area are always looking for suppliers, said Richmond, because the demand for homegrown produce and products made from them is very high.
With the spotlight on West Virginia's agricultural heritage featured this week, look to your local farms and reach out in support.
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