‘West Virginia Grown’ Partner Program Launched at Public Market in Wheeling
Derek Redd The West Virginia Department of Agriculture kicked off its new statewide West Virginia Grown Partner Program on Thursday at downtown Wheeling's Public Market.
The West Virginia Grown Program dates back to 1986 and aims to market locally sourced food products to bridge the gap between local producers and consumers. Its newest program opens membership to retailers and restaurants who "serve, sell and support" West Virginia's farm and food industries as well.
Buddy Davidson, West Virginia Grown coordinator for the WVDA, said the new program helps create a simpler relationship between producers and buyers, while also supporting the state's economy.
"We want a more robust and more lucrative food economy in West Virginia for the people who produce and the people who consume," he said. "It's good for producers obviously, because it's money that's staying in the state, and it's good for the consumer because they get a fresher product with less miles."
Restaurants and retailers that boast the West Virginia Grown logo carry products that are either grown in West Virginia or had at least 50% of their value added inside of West Virginia.
Kacey Gantzer, WVDA planning coordinator, says she hopes to spark a trend that results in more businesses carrying products grown or produced inside the state.
"We love our farmers markets," she said. "We have over 300 in the state, but we want to see these products more accessible in stores like this that are open seven days a week or that are open year round."
Grow Ohio Valley and Wheeling's Public Market are two Ohio County organizations involved in West Virginia Grown's programs and were both in attendance for the official kickoff.
Jason Koegler, executive director of Grow Ohio Valley, said he is grateful for the organization's membership and how it aids its expansion process.
"We have aspirations to serve potentially more than the Ohio Valley, and we are currently working on a distribution network," he said. "Being able to be designated West Virginia Grown helps with that effort as well."
Koegler also encouraged consumers to think about the origins of their produce and the toll it takes on the product.
"You can buy a head of lettuce at a national chain restaurant, and it's mostly coming from either central California or Mexico," he said. "Think about the time and effort it takes for a head of lettuce to be processed and then travel all the way to a place like Wheeling, West Virginia."
Victoria White, vendor manager of the Public Market, said she is excited to be part of the partner program since it aligns with the Public Market's goals.
"It ties right into our mission of bridging the gaps between the community and farmers, and that's what the Public Market does is provide an outlet for farmers where there isn't any in this area other than summer markets," she said.
The brand awareness campaign will hit locations all around the state to increase membership numbers for the next two years.