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About Us |
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A Message from the Commissioner
Agriculture, like most industries, is constantly changing. As an important contributor to the Mountain State, agriculture is more than the 20,000 family farms that can be found throughout West Virginia. A recent quantitative study to determine the economic impact of the more than 400 agribusinesses statewide found that these success stories generated over $100 million in revenue last year. From honey to salsa, maple syrup to hot peppers, these diverse businesses not only benefit our economy, but also serve as ambassadors of the great things available in West Virginia. But agriculture is also more than business development. Environmental programs continue to answer our critics with science. Our Water Quality Laboratory in Moorefield is leading the country by tracking the sources of contaminants through their DNA. By implementing voluntary programs, we are working with farmers to protect our water resources. Another important facet of the West Virginia Department of Agriculture uses science to defend human, animal and plant health from the many dangers found in the United States and across the planet. We live in a fast-paced world that increases speed each day. Unfortunately, the threat of disease also increases with our progress. By bringing together a professional staff that combines the necessary experience and education to meet this challenge, our Department is ready to react to potential problems and maintain the healthy standards that our citizens have come to expect. The West Virginia Department of Agriculture is more than farming. We work each day to accomplish the many priorities that face agriculture, economic development, public health and our environment. I accept these challenges as Commissioner of Agriculture and look forward to building on past successes while growing a better West Virginia that we leave to future generations. Be sure to read the Biography of Commissioner Gus R. Douglass |
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©2001, 2002 West Virginia Department of Agriculture, All Rights Reserved |
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