West Virginia farmers work hard, but too many can’t earn a steady income. According to the 2022 Census of Agriculture, about 73% of West Virginia farms had less than $10,000 in sales, and nearly 65% reported a net loss. Starting a farm is one of the toughest businesses in America. 

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The Fair Farm Pricing Initiative gives farmers a clear, data-based way to price their products so they can earn a living wage and keep local food on West Virginia tables.

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Built on Data! 

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The initiative started with real farmers and real numbers.
 

• Step 1: Farmers track their actual labor and input costs through a full growing season.

• Step 2: Costs were compared to what it takes to earn a living wage in West Virginia.

• Step 3: That data is used to build fair price ranges and a pricing tool farmers can use for their own goods.

• Step 4: As a certified Farm Farm. Pricing Initiative Farmer, I price my products at costs to earn a living wage. 

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Why It Matters?

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When farmers are paid fairly, they can stay in business, grow their operations, and keep supplying fresh, local food to their neighbors. Fair pricing helps buyers understand the real cost of producing food close to home, and it helps build local food systems that last.