Dear Friends and Neighbors ,

West Virginia has long prided itself on its deep agricultural roots, yet our current approach to funding agriculture tells a different story–one of missed opportunities and underinvestment.

Today, many of our agricultural programs are operating without the dedicated support they need to truly thrive. Take our apiary industry, for example. While it is technically funded through Animal Health, there is no additional funding available to help new beekeepers get started. This is especially concerning given the rapid growth of the honey bee business and its critical role in pollination and food production. Strengthening this sector should be a priority, not an afterthought.

Similarly, the WV Grown program–an initiative that has helped fuel the success of farmers markets across the state–operates without direct funding and instead relies on internal savings. This is a program that has proven its value time and time again, yet we continue to expect it to succeed without proper investment.

Our maple syrup producers face the same challenge. Despite the fact that pure West Virginia maple products are among the finest in the region, there is no dedicated funding to support these hardworking producers who labor year-round to prepare for harvest season.

The broader issue is that the West Virginia Department of Agriculture itself is largely sustained by general revenue used primarily for employee salaries, with little left over for direct program support. While small grants–such as approximately $287,000 annually for specialty crops from the USDA–help fill some gaps, the overall funding structure remains complex, inconsistent, and insufficient.

Even more troubling is the creation of programs like the Agricultural Investment Fund under WV Code 19-38, established during the 2021 Regular Session. While well-intentioned, it relies on vague language stating the fund “may receive appropriations, grants, and contributions,” yet it lacks a dedicated revenue stream. In other words, we passed the idea–but failed to fund it. Quite simply, we can and must do better.

We must recognize that agriculture is not just an industry–it is a way of life and a cornerstone of our state’s economy and food security. From specialty crop producers to livestock farmers, and from veterans entering agriculture to generational family farms, these individuals are essential to our communities.

If we truly value our farmland and our farmers, then our actions must reflect that commitment. It is time to move beyond good intentions and provide the meaningful, dedicated funding that West Virginia agriculture deserves.

Sincerely, Steve Thomas Republican Candidate for West Virginia House of Delegates, District 9