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Eight West Virginia projects have won federal grants for work ranging from pawpaw products and herb-growing classes to crop-disease research and farmers market planning.
The grants come from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s fiscal year 2026 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program, which the West Virginia Department of Agriculture administers. The program covers crops such as fruits, vegetables, tree nuts and flowers.
“Specialty crops offer tremendous opportunities for West Virginia agriculture, particularly as we look for ways to expand and diversify production,” Commissioner of Agriculture Kent Leonhardt said in the department’s release. “These grants support important research, education, and innovation that can lead to improved growing practices, new products, and expanded markets for West Virginia specialty crops.”
The eight awards are:
West Virginia State University Research and Development Corp. will receive $15,053.88 to improve methods for freeze-drying pawpaw pulp, develop food products and hold a community event about the fruit.
The West Virginia Military Authority will receive $50,000 for Patriot Guardens to study herb-growing methods and offer 23 hands-on and Zoom courses over two years for veterans, military families and community members.
West Virginia University will receive $14,954.43 for a two-year 4-H project that combines a community garden with training in growing crops, food safety, preservation and business skills to launch a youth food business.
Linwood Alive will receive $35,500 to create a commercial kitchen approved by the health department where specialty crops can be processed into products.
The West Virginia Department of Agriculture will receive $74,971.88 to combine greenhouse and laboratory research aimed at reducing fungal disease and preventing mycotoxin contamination in tomatoes, peppers and strawberries.
Yew Mountain Center will receive $49,250 to develop local and online training on specialty forest crops to build farmers’ skills and expand agritourism.
The West Virginia Food and Farm Coalition Inc. will receive $50,166.67 for technical assistance and bulk purchasing support for small and mid-scale specialty crop farms, particularly those using or adopting organic, regenerative or other sustainable practices.
The West Virginia Farmers Market Association Inc. will receive $31,762.76 to train growers and data liaisons and track seasonal crop availability, inventory and sales in 2027 and 2028, informing shoppers and helping growers plan.
