Latest news with #WestVirginiaFarmersMarketAssociation
Yahoo
05-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
WV Farmers Market Association offers mini-grants to farmers who need signage
CHARLESTON, WV (WVNS) — The executive director of the West Virginia Farmers Market Association said on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, that grants are now available for farm signs. 'These grants are designed to improve signage that enhances market visibility, accessibility, and the overall customer experience,' Morgan stated in a press release. 'This is your chance to be creative!' Sunset Berry Farm receives multiple grants to help the farm and the community She said that grants of $500 are available for basic signage such as parking, hours and SNAP, and that $1,000 grants are available for comprehensive signage for vendor maps, wayfinding and directional signage. Morgan said the grants are available to current WVFMA members who are registered with the West Virginia Department of Agriculture and who submit a valid W-9. They should also provide an EIN or Social Security number. 'This is a beginners style grant. We're going to ask you basic questions. We just need to know what kind of signage you want, but we're going to ask you a few questions that come off of our market metrics, as well,' she told 59News. The application is available here. Morgan said another grant will be available later this year. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
05-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Trump tariffs may impact cost of locally grown produce
BECKLEY, WV (WVNS) — The executive director of an advocacy group for state farmers' markets said tariffs imposed on Canada and Mexico by President Donald Trump on Tuesday may impact the cost of locally grown produce in West Virginia. 'Tariffs would increase cost on their feed, fertilizer, equipment, fuel,' said Holly Morgan, executive director of West Virginia Farmers Market Association, on Tuesday, March 4, 2025. 'Any input cost that would go into producing your food would increase for your farmer too.' West Virginia farmers struggled last year as a historic drought affected growing conditions. 'Losses from last year's drought, they aren't put to bed and done, yet,' Morgan added. 'Drought from last year will continue to affect farmers this year. Farmers have already faced higher prices and costs. The tariffs will affect them too.' Tariffs may be used to force manufacturers in targeted countries to relocate to the U.S. and to boost domestic production, which may benefit steel, automobile and other U.S. industries. Economist's said the tariffs will likely raise Americans' yearly spending by $2,000. All Raleigh County students to receive free lunch and breakfast during 2024-25 school year One drastic cost increase could occur on fresh fruits and vegetables, economists have predicted. Data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture show that in 2022, 53 percent of imported fresh fruit came Canada and Mexico, while 89 percent of fresh vegetable imports were from the two countries. Michelle Rotellini, CEO of the Beckley-Raleigh County Chamber of Commerce, said that perishable food items such as fresh produce rely on a 'short and time-sensitive supply chain.' 'Unlike durable goods, perishable produce must move quickly from farms to shelves; meaning any disruption, either from cost increases or slowed imports, can have an immediate impact on availability and pricing,' said Rotellini. 'As consumers, we may see higher prices and reduced selection at grocery stores and restaurants in the short term, and restaurants that depend on fresh ingredients will feel the strain.' Rotellini encouraged local residents to purchase from farmers' markets, noting that locally grown produce is only available in season. Morgan said that eating 'in season' produce is the most natural diet and has benefits, but she emphasized that it is not 'cheaper' to buy fruit and vegetables from a local market. Beekeepers worried about concerning trend of local government crackdowns 'The common misconception is you go to a Farmer's Market because it is a discount. Farmers are not bulk producing,' said Morgan. 'Farmers are not big corporations. Farmers have a smaller margin than a big box store to absorb these increased costs.' Morgan added that farmers need additional support in 2025. 'Supporting your local farmers is going to be a good way to support local business, obviously, and keep farmers in business, because they had a hard year last year, and they needed our support then, and they definitely need it now,' she said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
