The Senate Committee on Agriculture & Rural Development has reported SB 25 to the floor with the recommendation that it pass.
SB 25 would establish a credit against personal and corporate income taxes for farmers who donate edible agricultural products to food banks and other nonprofit food programs serving those in need.
A representative thanked the committee on behalf of West Virginia food banks across the state.
The committee also considered SB 27, which would permit home-based, micro-processing foods to be sold at farmers markets under certain requirements, before deciding to postpone their decision on the bill until the next meeting after they are able to find more information on ensuring those foods would be safely administered.
Local West Virginia farmer Pamela Kessler shared her support for SB 27’s passage with the committee. She said she has struggled with being able to provide her clients with the products they wish to buy from her.
“Not being able to give your customers what they want, that hurts,” Kessler said. “It feels like we are being handcuffed.”
Her husband and six children were present with her at the meeting.
