The Senate Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development discussed Senate Bill 383 Wednesday afternoon, which would create a new and innovative concept program for farmers throughout West Virginia.
The proposed bill would create the West Virginia Healthy Food Crop Block Grant Program. The program would provide an incentive of up to $10,000 per year to eligible West Virginia farmers who commit to growing fruits and vegetables that serve community health initiatives. The Program is meant for small independent farms throughout the state. If the legislation becomes law, this would be the first of its kind in the country.
The Committee approved the bill, which will be referred to the Senate Committee on Finance.
The Committee also discussed Senate Bill 344 which relates to the operation of state-owned farms. The bill would clarify language already in code that state-owned farms are managed by the commissioner of the Department of Agriculture.
The Committee approved the proposed bill, and will be reported to the full Senate to be voted upon.
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