Organic Farms in West Virginia

Charleston, West Virginia – In 2019, West Virginia had 27 certified organic farms, up 3 farms from 24 farms in 2014 (data in 2014 included both certified organic farms and farms exempt from certification). In 2019, 8 farms had sales of $500,000 or more; 9 farms had sales from $100,000 to $499,999. Certified organic acres operated were 3,054.

In 2019, 12 farms had crop production, including nursery and greenhouse, 15 had livestock and poultry, and 7 had livestock and poultry products. Some of the produce and livestock West Virginia organic farms sold included blueberries, blackberries, squash, lettuce, tomatoes, potatoes, peppers, maple syrup, all hay, soybeans, corn for silage, cows, sheep, and broilers.

Some other interesting facts include the following: 10 farms used animal manures, 9 farms planted green manures, 5 farms maintained beneficial insect/vertebrate habitats, 8 farms produced or used organic mulch/compost, 5 farms had direct consumer sales, 8 farms sold through retail markets, institutions, or food hubs, and 7 farms reported market access as a major production challenge.

Data are from the 2019 Certified Organic Survey that is part of the 2017 Census of Agriculture program. Survey data were published from producers that were certified organic and transitioning to organic certification. Detailed organic survey data are available on the NASS website, for more information go to: https://www.nass.usda.gov/Publications/AgCensus/2017/Online_Resources/Organics/index.php.