WHO
ARE
WE?

OUR MISSION

We believe every farmer should have the chance to build a business that supports themselves, their families, and their communities.

Our mission is to help new farmers by connecting them with the knowledge, tools, partnerships, and opportunities they need to build financially sustainable farms.

Success in farming should not depend on luck or inherited land. It should come from having the right support when it is needed.

Why This Matters

Each year, skilled people leave farming because they just can’t make the numbers add up.

They face challenges like:

• Finding markets that are profitable

• Figuring out pricing and what it really costs to produce their goods

• Dealing with complicated regulations

• Getting the technical help they need

• Building relationships with wholesalers

• Growing their operations in a sustainable way

• Managing risks that come with farming

• Finding mentors to guide them

We believe farmers can overcome these challenges when they have practical education and a strong support network.

Farmers market shoppers, other farmers, independent grocer shoppers

This campaign is built around a simple truth. When people choose to buy local, they are doing far more than picking up groceries. They are putting money back into their own communities, supporting the farmers who work the land nearby, and bringing home food that is fresher, more nutritious, and more trustworthy.

Whether it is at a farmers market or a small independent grocer, every dollar spent locally helps keep farms alive, strengthens regional supply chains, and keeps West Virginia rooted in its own food traditions. Fair pricing for farmers is at the heart of this. When farmers are paid what their work is worth, they can keep producing, families can keep eating well, and communities stay connected to where their food comes from.

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Public schools, universities, hospitals, correctional facilities, state agencies, restaurants

The same idea carries into our schools, hospitals, restaurants, and public institutions. Choosing local food is not just a feel-good decision; it is a smart one. It leads to better meals, stronger relationships between buyers and farmers, and more reliable access to quality ingredients.

Shorter supply chains mean fewer disruptions and faster delivery, while also opening the door to higher quality products that large systems often cannot provide. It supports student learning, patient health, and the overall well-being of the people being served, while also building new business opportunities across the region.

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State legislators, agency leaders, department of agriculture, local governments

At the policy level, this work becomes even more important. Investing in fair farm pricing is really about investing in the future of West Virginia. Strong local agriculture means stronger local economies, better food access, and a more resilient system that can withstand disruptions.