On Apr. 22, over 80 West Virginians gathered at the Clingman Center in Lewisburg, to hear from a panel of eight farmers and food supply and agricultural related representatives about the current crisis caused by the withdrawal of federal funding for numerous farm and food supply projects across West Virginia.
Speakers related how they increased production of their food products and hired workers based on signed contracts with the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), only to learn that the current administration had cut their funding.
Jennifer Gilkerson, owner of Sunset Berry Farms, related that she was one of ten farmers across America that the USDA sought out to participate in an agricultural program to increase her labor force. She is now legally committed to hire 10 workers at her farm, and has been informed that the USDA has cut her funding, costing her farm at least $50,000.
Trey Yates, a lifelong West Virginian and owner of the largest local dairy business in West Virginia, that serves 35 of 55 counties, reported how the cuts to school food programs and food banks, his main customers, will cause his business to lay off workers and potentially close as 95% of his business will be lost.
Tommye Rafes, the owner of T.L. Fruits and Vegetables, moderated the discussion and explained that 30,000 farmers across America have been denied previously awarded funding, that $38 billion has been frozen for work, much of which was previously completed. She indicated that $1 billion has been cut from the farm-to-school programs that provide fresh fruits and vegetables to the school children, further negatively affecting the childhood obesity rate in West Virginia, where about 1 in 4 children are obese, and reducing their exposure to fresh, locally grown food.
Marine veteran Natasha Zoe, lead manager at JarHead Farms, related how she installed a kitchen under a USDA grant to process fresh fruit juices, only to learn the promised funding to reimburse her had been cut.
Chad Morrison of Mountaineer Food Bank stated that funding for food banks has been eliminated for numerous programs to feed those in need, including food for 600 West Virginia seniors. In 2024, his company transported 29 million pounds of food; in 2025, 30% less food will be transported.
Spencer Moss, Executive Director of the West Virginia Food and Farm Coalition, indicated that because of the abrupt cuts, farmers have lost purchase contracts with schools and food banks, resulting in children, seniors, and other vulnerable West Virginians at risk of losing year-round access to fresh locally grown food. She stated it is “a blow to the core values that motivates nearly every farmer in our state: the desire to feed their communities.”
Sally Hurst, of the Greenbrier Health Alliance, spoke of the need to collaborate now more than ever, to help address the needs of our community and how the Health Alliance is working to provide needed funds to support food programs in Eastern and Western Greenbrier County.
Tootie Jones of Swift Level Farm and Swift Level Fine Meats related her passion for locally grown agricultural products and her concerns for legal green card immigrants who work on West Virginia farms, but are not safe from deportation. She expressed grave concern not just for their livelihood, but for the farms that rely on their labor to continue to operate.
Closing out the evening was Deborah Stiles, a former Democratic candidate for Commissioner of Agriculture, who rallied the attendees to enlist people, especially young people, who support West Virginia farmers to run for office. In summary, the overall message from the speakers was one of grave concern, not only for the future of the 98 percent of small-scale farms in West Virginia but also for the health and welfare of the citizens in our state.
This event was sponsored by the Greenbrier County Democratic Women’s Club.
