EPA, West Virginia renew partnership to support agriculture and protect water quality
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the West Virginia Department of Agriculture have renewed a Memorandum of Understanding that extends their state–federal partnership for another five years, with a focus on protecting water quality while supporting productive farming and agribusiness.
Signed at the West Virginia Capitol in Charleston, the agreement outlines joint efforts to improve communication with the agricultural community, expand education and outreach, and promote best management practices that reduce runoff and protect streams and waterways.
“Farmers across West Virginia are already helping keep streams cleaner, and we’re proud to be their partner in agriculture,” said EPA Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Amy Van Blarcom-Lackey in a press release. “With this agreement, EPA and WVDA make it simpler for farmers to get help, share what works, and invest in practices that boost production and protect water quality at the same time.”
West Virginia Agriculture Commissioner Kent Leonhardt added, “Renewing this Memorandum of Understanding reaffirms our shared commitment to supporting West Virginia farmers while protecting our natural resources.”
Under the MOU, EPA and WVDA will collaborate on joint trainings, roundtables, farm tours and program assessments, while documenting and sharing environmental stewardship practices and funding opportunities. The agencies will also produce an annual report highlighting progress and outlining priorities for the coming year.
The renewed agreement reinforces the role of agricultural practices in meeting water quality goals across West Virginia’s watersheds.