SENATE RESOLUTION 28

(By Senators Takubo, Rucker, Hamilton, Smith, Phillips, Deeds, and Chapman)

[Introduced February 5, 2024]

Designating February 6, 2024, as Local Food and Farms Day at the Legislature.

Whereas, The State of West Virginia recognizes the vital role of agriculture in nourishing the health and prosperity of its citizens and communities; and

Whereas, West Virginia possesses a higher number of smaller farms per capita than any other state, emphasizing the deep-rooted desire to feed our communities; and

Whereas, These West Virginia farmers contribute significantly to the state's economy and the well-being of its residents through the production of diverse crops such as fruits and vegetables, including livestock, fish, and poultry; and

Whereas, West Virginia farmers have extended their agricultural endeavors beyond traditional farming to become, and to support, value-added food entrepreneurs, by creating a market of a wide array of products from jams and jellies, sauces, wine, and beer to name a few, narrating West Virginia's rich history through innovative marketing, packaging, and storytelling; and

Whereas, These independent farmers play a crucial role in stocking the shelves of rural grocery stores across the state, ensuring the availability of fresh and nutritious food in communities across our state; and

Whereas, West Virginia farmers actively participate in, and support, various programs designed to bring nutrition and food education to students.  These programs include Farm-to-School programs, Kids Market @ the Store, Pop Up Farmers Markets, Produce Prescription programs, and SNAP Stretch; and

Whereas, SNAP Stretch, a commendable program initiated in late 2018, has been instrumental in providing a dollar-for-dollar match for the purchase of fruits and vegetables from West Virginia farmers to SNAP/EBT recipients, resulting in a remarkable return of $3 million to West Virginia farmers and rural grocers creating an overall economic impact of $4.7 million; therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate:

That the Senate hereby designates February 6, 2024, as Local Food and Farms Day at the Legislature; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the Senate recognizes the value of the significant contributions  and hard work that farmers and entrepreneurs bring to the agriculture sector of West Virginia; and, be it

Further Resolved: That the Clerk is hereby directed to forward a copy of this resolution to Cordel Bostic, Communications and Legislative Policy Coordinator, West Virginia Food & Farm Coalition.