Welcome to the
WV Small Farm Center!

The Small Farm Center, under the WVU Extension Service, was founded in 2009 and strives to increase the farmer’s bottom line by helping him or her retain more of the dollar spent on food in his or her community.

We host several conferences throughout the year to bring professionals and experts in certain topic areas to share their knowledge with small farmers who seek to expand their existing operation or try something new.

WV Small Farm Conference, March 1-3, 2012 at Waterfront Conference Center in Morgantown, WV- very well attended!

This year’s conference included practical workshops on farm to school issues. Over a thousand visitors came to the conference, and the WV Farmers Market Association’s Winter Blues Market brought in over $18,000 from their three hour market. Contact Program Coordinator, Carrie See, at (304) 293-2715 or by email. for more information. Stay tuned for our “Conference Snapshot” as we compile evaluations and results!

Processed foods travel more miles than the average person knows! WVU Extension Service is looking to change that by helping the state’s 23,000 farmers reach a wider consumer base.

On this page we hope you will find the information that you seek, or at least a phone number or email to contact us for help.

Facts about Small Farms

• Even “big” farms in West Virginia are considered “small” farms nationally.
• West Virginians report spending $7.2 billion on food each year.
• West Virginia has only one commercial dairy processor left.
• Farmers capture only 19 cents of every dollar spent on food in West Virginia.

Local Foods and Small Farms …

… can be more nutritious
… bring communities together
… can be safer to eat
… keep money in communities

Small Farm Advocate Newspaper

The Small Farm Center offers to the public their Small Farm Advocate newspaper. Inside, you will find articles about small grains, aquaculture, the Market Garden at Jackson’s Mill and many other timely topics. If you have a suggestion for an article for this year, contact Carrie See by phone at (304-293-2715) or by email.