West Virginia Farmers Market Association Mini Grants

West Virginia Farmers Market Association Mini Grants is sponsored by West Virginia Department of Agriculture (administered through West Virginia Farmers Market Association). These grants support farmers markets in West Virginia for infrastructure (coolers, display cases, structures) or marketing materials. This also includes roadside stands, consignment, on-farm stands, mobile markets, and online sellers.

Mini Grants Provide Essential Support for Farmers Markets Statewide : West Virginia Department of Agriculture Charleston, W. Va. – The West Virginia Department of Agriculture (WVDA) teamed up with the West Virginia Farmers Market Association (WVFMA) to offer the 2024 WVFMA Mini-Grant Program which helps fund needed improvements/upgrades to farmers markets across the state.

The WVFMA received 43 applications from traditional farmers markets, mobile markets and on-farm stands totaling $194,000 in funding requests. This year, 14 markets were awarded a total of $51,052. Eleven projects received full funding; three received partial awards.

While each market had their own specific needs, cold storage, site improvements, marketing materials, and wi-fi connectivity were the most requested items. “Farmers markets across the state offer access to fresh produce, meats, herbs, flowers, and value-added products grown and made right here in West Virginia. Not only do these grants benefit the markets, they also benefit the people who shop there.

Better access to home-grown, fresh food means better health for the people of West Virginia,” stressed Commissioner of Agriculture Kent Leonhardt. Blands Home and Farm Service – Dunmore $5,000 Granny Witch Gardens – Huntington $4,038. 74 Grow Ohio Valley – Wheeling $3,825 Hampshire Co.

Farmers Market – Romney $4,958. 63 Lewis Co. Farmers Market – Weston $4,964.

51 Lisa’s Jars of Love – Huntington $930 Jeans Farm Fresh – Burlington $5,000 Mineral Co. Farmers Market – Keyser $1,064 Morgantown Farmers Market – Morgantown $4,961 Peppermint Acres – Kenova $1,315. 98 The Local Farmers Market – Sistersville $505.

93 Trailhead Farm – Gassaway $4,956. 56 White Picket Farm – Elizabeth $4,944. 95 WVU Parkersburg – Parkersburg $4,587.

63 “This program has allowed us to reach markets that are typically ineligible for grant funding or lack experience in applying for it,” explained WVFMA Executive Director Holly Morgan. “Often, something as simple as a point-of-sale system can completely transform a market. In the 2023 mini-grant cycle, we saw smaller markets flourish.

The ability to accept card payments allows these markets to process debit/credit cards and SNAP/EBT transactions, expanding their reach to more customers and keeping dollars in West Virginia to support local farm families. ” The WVDA provided the funding for the Mini-Grant Project and the WVFMA administered the grants. For questions about the grants or the grant funding, contact Holly Morgan at executivedirector@wvfarmers.

org or call 304-398-5214. The West Virginia Department of Agriculture protects plant, animal and human health through a variety of scientific, regulatory and consumer protection programs. The Commissioner of Agriculture is one of six statewide elected officials who sits on the Board of Public Works.

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