West Virginia State University (WVSU) Extension Service will host a free workshop on entrepreneurial farming and food manufacturing Wednesday, April 17, at 6 p.m. at the Clendenin Community Center in Clendenin. The series leads into the upcoming West Virginia Urban Agriculture Conference and Community Expo, taking place on the University’s campus in May.
The workshop will provide information on agriculture in the state, popular profitable crops and livestock to grow and raise, and foods to manufacture, as well as where agricultural entrepreneurs can go to access federal grants, cost-share programs and low-interest loans.
“This workshop provides an excellent opportunity for anyone just starting out or interested in launching an agriculture-related business to connect with other producers, WVSU Extension Service and USDA services and resources,” said WVSU Extension Service’s Alternative Agriculture Extension Agent Kristie Martin.
Workshop speakers include representatives from WVSU Extension Service, the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, the West Virginia Department of Agriculture and the West Virginia National Guard Patriot Guardens Program. A new farmer, an established farmer and a food manufacturer will also be on hand to speak about their agricultural journeys and how they got started, grew and found their niche in West Virginia.
The workshop will lead into the West Virginia Urban Agriculture Conference and Community Expo, taking place May 3-4 on the WVSU campus in Institute. The free two-day event is designed to attract agriculture enthusiasts at all levels of skill, from backyard hobbyists to full-scale farm operators, who have an interest in urban farming and gardening practices.
Registration for the workshop is required by visiting wvstateu.edu/extension or contacting Martin at at kristie.martin@wvstateu.edu or (804) 482-0178.
The Clendenin Community Center is located at 4 1st St. in Clendenin.
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