By WV Commissioner of Agriculture Walt Helmick
In order for West Virginia to continue expanding its movement toward more production of fresh, local, healthy foods throughout the calendar year, the construction of high tunnels and other indoor growing facilities is a must.
Right now a number of high tunnels supported by the WVDA have been completed or are being constructed for use this year including projects at Mount View High School in McDowell County, Rainelle Elementary School in Greenbrier County, Moorefield Middle School in Hardy County, Preston High School and the Mountaineer Challenge Academy in Preston County, Cortland Acres Nursing Home in Tucker County and the Charles Town-Ranson Garden Club in Jefferson County.
We intend to continue supporting these efforts and more like them in the future.
More and more we are also seeing the establishment of community gardens. At Valley Park in Putnam County, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield has invested in a new facility in addition to the one that opened in downtown Parkersburg last summer. The Modern Woodmen of America also just dedicated its garden spot in Kanawha City.
Many private farmers and organizations across West Virginia are also building and operating their own high tunnels and shared gardens. As I said before, the movement is on and growing.
