WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) and Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), members of the Senate Appropriations Committee, today announced $293,244 from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to Grow Ohio Valley as part of the urban Agriculture Innovation Production (UAIP) Competitive Grants Program. This funding will support the utilization of the Big Wheeling Agrarian Center as a training and demonstration farm to support new urban farmers.
“Grow Oho Valley is doing fantastic work in West Virginia’s Northern Panhandle,” Senator Capito said. “Initiatives like this help strengthen the supply chains in our state and grow our agriculture sector, all while providing access to healthier and nutritious food options for our residents. I’ve consistently advocated for Grow Ohio Valley, and I’m thrilled that they’re getting the resources they need and deserve.”
“West Virginia’s farms play an essential role in our state’s economy and 98% of all West Virginia farms are small and family owned. Our small, family owned farms often need support to continue to thrive and this USDA funding will provide training on new farming methods at the Big Wheeling Agrarian Center to support small farm growth and development. Strong domestic food supply chains are vital, and I will keep advocating for programs that support our farmers here in the Mountain State,” Senator Manchin said.
# # #