The grant will enhance the university’s agricultural education and will boost the region’s food processing capabilities.
The West Virginia Department of Agriculture has awarded a $469,183.79 Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure (RFSI) program grant to West Virginia University at Parkersburg. The grant will assist the university in enhancing its agricultural education, as well as help develop the university’s Riverhawk Farm.
According to an article on West Virginia University at Parkersburg’s website, Norm Bailey, who serves as the Chief of Staff at the West Virginia Department of Agriculture, explained the selection process that awarded WVU Parkersburg the grant. He is quoted as saying, “We established an independent ranking committee that removes politics from the process and lets the experts select the application with the greatest potential impact. WVU Parkersburg stood out for its ability to drive positive change in agriculture and community resilience.” He added, “This is going to help push them to the next level, teaching the community about the value of agriculture and improving our food system from the ground up.”
Bailey also highlighted the fragility of the country’s food supply chain, noting that recent events like the COVID-19 pandemic made us all aware of its instability. He said, “By producing our own products locally, we can help prevent shortages, improve food quality and strengthen our local economy.”
This is where the university’s Riverhawk Farms comes in. The grant funding will allow the farm to continue developing its infrastructure and offerings, including the construction of new facilities within the farm to foster hands-on learning opportunities for students, as well as agricultural technology training. It will also expand the farm’s processing capabilities for produce and for honey.
John Riggs, who serves as the university’s Agriculture Director, said, “We are incredibly excited and honored to receive the RFSI grant. It’s a transformative opportunity that supports our continued efforts to elevate agriculture education and local food systems in the Mid-Ohio Valley. This funding reflects the growing recognition of the importance of hands-on training and agricultural innovation.”
He went on to explain what the grant funding will do: “These upgrades will support Riverhawk Farm’s role in training the next generation of agricultural professionals while boosting local food security and production capacity. This grant positions Riverhawk Farm as the agricultural hub of the Mid-Ohio Valley. It strengthens our educational infrastructure and our region’s food system resilience.”
For more information about West Virginia University at Parkersburg, visit the school’s website.