West Virginia aims to develop economy, jobs through agriculture

A north central West Virginia county is working with the state to develop the economy and boost the state's economy, according to the State Journal.

A study detailing how to generate enough common agriculture products to supply the state's demand is due for release early next year. The study is commissioned by the Food & Farm Coalition of the Community Development Hub.

"They are determining demand for individual products," program manager Savanna Lyons with the Food & Farm Coalition told the publication. "One of the exciting things is going to be estimates of job creation. If we expanded those sectors so we could meet the demand, how many jobs could be created? There is potential for the economy to grow if we focus on meeting food demand."

A cattle-farming initiative in Doddridge County is involved with the effort and the director of the county's economic development authority said he is impressed with the amount of cattle in the region.

Science is an important part of West Virginia's efforts to preserve human, animal and plant health, according to the Agriculture Department.

Farmers don't always pursue USDA 'organic' label, even if they exceed requirements

The widespread popularity of farmers markets in the U.S. has focused attention on the U.S. Agriculture Department's use of the word "organic," USA Today reports.

Northern Virginia farmer Hana Newcomb told the publication she never has used any pesticides, herbicides or other chemicals, going back to well before the federal government first regulated the word in 2002. She said she prefers to call what her farm grows "ecoganic" as a method of prompting inquiries from customers about growing strategies.

"My customers put faith in me to provide them exactly what I say I'm growing," farmer Joel Salatin of Polyface Farms in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia told the publication. "Polyface is open to any visitor, unannounced, 24/7/365 … unescorted. That's our credibility."

Some farmers' practices exceed requirements mandated by the Department of Agriculture to be considered organic but they don't bother keeping up with the required paperwork in part because of the significant demand. Salatin of Polyface Farm said he would have to hire an additional full-time employee to take on the responsibility.

The Department of Agriculture requires a three-year transition period for the land in point unless the landowner can prove no prohibited substances were used on that land or nearby within the past three years.

Farmers often need to consider more than the crops they produce

While most people get into farming because they're interested in growing produce or raising livestock, there are many other considerations they have to make. After all - applying for a farm land loan means that a person will be attempting to buy a large tract of land. The responsibility of that kind of ownership can bring farmers into contact with many other economic forces.

For example, many agricultural operations chose to lease their land or grant permission to chemical and energy companies for drilling and exploration. In particular, some Pennsylvania farmers found themselves in business with the natural gas industry and have since felt the repercussions of hydraulic fracturing, also known as fracking.

Two dairy farmers will be appearing at Skaneateles First Presbyterian Church in Skaneateles, New York, this week to share their thoughts about doing business with energy companies and the effects that the process had on crops, livestock, the land and their financial positions. This is the sort of information that is essential to take into account before engaging in some kind of agricultural operation. Consider that while farming may be the reason that a person applies for a farm land loan, other opportunities or situations might arise that cause them to use their land differently.  

Virginia governor declares December state Christmas Tree Month

Thursday is the first day of Virginia Christmas Tree Month, per the declaration of Governor Robert F. McDonnell.

According to a press release from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, the governor and first lady of Virginia are observing the 150th commemoration of the Civil War with their decorations of the Executive Mansion.

Virginia began decorating trees in 1842 when a College of William and Mary professor first presented the German custom to Williamsburg. The trees were laced with popcorn, gilded nuts and lighted candles. By the time the Civil War began, the tradition was well entrenched in Virginia.

The McDonnells' Christmas tree is from Claybrooke Farms in Louisa County. Crazy Joe's Tree Farm in Culpeper is supplying the wreaths and Mill Farm Christmas Trees of Williamsburg is supplying the greenery.

Each of the three purveyors of Christmas goods is members of the Virginia Christmas Tree Association.

The Executive Mansion's Christmas tree and accompanying decorations will be open for public viewing during open houses on December 20 and 21 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., for which reservations are not required.

Pennsylvania facilitates safe disposal of pesticides

The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture is making it easier than ever for agricultural businesses and pesticide applicators in 20 counties statewide to safely discard pesticides, according to a press release.

The 2012 options for CHEMSWEEP this year will differ from last year. The effort is especially necessary because pesticide products often are discontinued or phased out of service, which leaves questions as to how to dispose of them. Taking them to landfills is not an option since they often are toxic or dangerous.

"CHEMSWEEP provides a safe, legal way to dispose of unwanted pesticides," said Agriculture Secretary George Greig. "Since 1993, the program has helped our agriculture industry properly dispose of nearly 2 million pounds of unwanted or unusable pesticides, helping to safeguard our environment."

The pesticides typically present a hazard to public safety and they pose dangers to the environment if placed in barns, garages or other areas for the long-term.

The Department of Agriculture intends to hire an independent contractor to collect and package the pesticides, which will be checked out by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and later incinerated. The program will cover expenses for the first 2,000 pounds and participants will be billed for the excess.

Virginia targets eminent domain rollback

The Virginia Farm Bureau is hard at work these days devising the best way of keeping the state of Virginia from seizing land from private owners, The Associated Press reports.

While convening in Norfolk for its annual convention from Tuesday through Thursday of this week, the largest farm lobby in the state is planning its approach to requesting a constitutional amendment that will minimize Virginia's capacity to pursue eminent domain. The effort, which will come to a head when the 2012 General Assembly convenes next year, includes the creation of a video produced by the Virginia Farm Bureau.

"For them, it's their land, they bought it, they paid for it, they pay taxes on it and they just don't feel it's right to take it from them and give it to another private entity," Farm Bureau president Wayne F. Pryor said in the video.

Resistance is likely to manifest from the Virginia Municipal League and Northern Virginia cities and towns as well.

The Virginia Farm Bureau supports the state's farmers by promoting their industry so that agriculture may prosper.

Delaware farmers' market sales climb again

Farmers' markets in Delaware had a 2011 season to remember by grossing $1.8 million in sales, a $400,000 increase over sales for last year, according to a press release.

The Delaware Department of Agriculture announced this past season's increase marks a sixth consecutive increase in annual sales at the end of a season. Jack Markell, governor of Delaware cited the fresh fruits and vegetables as strong benefits of the markets, also noting they support farmers and contribute to the economy.

"Congratulations to all of our farmers' markets, our farmers, and other vendors for an outstanding season," said state Agriculture Secreatary Ed Kee. "The success of these markets is a reflection of the quality of Delaware's agricultural products and the hard work of Delaware farmers that are second to none. Our farmers' markets provide consumers with a direct connection to those who produce the food that they put on their table."

The $1.8 million in sales broke down as 57 percent vegetable and fruit and 43 percent eggs, meats, honey, bread and pastries.

New Castle County had five markets, Kent County had two and Sussex County had 10 markets.