By Stephen Smoot
Traditionally, farmers markets had one basic purpose: provide a venue for farmers to bring produce convenient for customers to buy.
With the resurgence in the past few decades in interest about where food comes from, consuming as much fresh food as possible, and generally improving the health of Americans through better food choices, farmers markets have grown their mission to harvest more attention and customers.
Additionally, West Virginia’s Department of Agriculture recognizes the growing convergence of appreciating freshly grown local foods and the Mountain State’s ever-expanding tourism market. As the West Virginia Agritourism Initiative explains, “across the state, agritourism partners are creating meaningful connections between agriculture, community, and visitors. From pick-your-own farms and family markets to wineries, distilleries, and educational experiences, these destinations reflect the creativity and collaboration.”
Supporting that growth is a grant of up to $5,000 available from the West Virginia Farmers Market Association, supported by the WVDA.
Applications opened on Aug. 7 during National Farmers Market Week and will extend through Sept. 18 at 11:59 p.m. West Virginia Commissioner of Agriculture Kent Leonhardt noted that “Local farmers’ markets and the producers who support them are vital to our state’s economy, as well as food security.”
He added that “when we saw bottlenecks in the national food system, it was West Virginia farmers who stepped up to feed our citizens. The pandemic proved how important local agriculture is to our communities, so this week get out and support those markets and their farmers.”
Regionally, these grants have proved vital in supporting the varied missions of different markets. Each organizer and community has its own perception of farmers markets and what they can do for customers and community. A diversity of styles and efforts makes them even more enjoyable for locals and tourists alike.
The Wardensville Farmers Market used a 2025 grant to purchase equipment and support marketing. That business sells locally grown and produced foods, attracting a large tourism base of customers to the town. Wardensville Farmers Market also engages in projects to educate young people in agriculture business and production.
In Pendleton County, a 2023 grant helped the Franklin-based farmers market purchase a modern point-of-sale system. Its director, Annie Humes, used it to further the goal of reducing barriers to local producers by creating an efficient consignment sale system.
Humes continues to encourage anyone interested in producing for sale, even in small amounts, to engage the Pendleton County Farmers Market with the goal of encouraging producers to try direct sales to customers through the market.
Humes also serves as Pendleton County Convention and Visitors’ Bureau director and often organizes educational and fun events at the market as well.