CHARLESTON, WV (LOOTPRESS) – The West Virginia Department of Agriculture (WVDA) is now accepting vendors for the 2022 Winter Blues Farmers’ Market. The event will be held at the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center Saturday, Feb. 26 from 1-5 p.m. In the past, the market has featured local West Virginia businesses who have sold everything from soaps and salsa to fresh vegetables and pet treats.
“The pandemic has continued to showcase the importance of local agriculture in regard to food security and economic development. The Winter Blues Farmers’ Market is a great opportunity for those local agriculture businesses to showcase their goods and spread the word about what they do,” said Commissioner of Agriculture Kent Leonhardt. “This is one of the premier local food events in the state and will draw thousands of shoppers. If you own an agribusiness, you won’t want to miss it.”
In 2021, more than 60 vendors set up shop at the Winter Blues Market. The sales total for the day topped $60,000. This year, the market will include a wholesale buyers’ event from noon through 1 p.m. to connect retailers with West Virginia grown businesses. Winter Blues is sponsored by the WVDA and the WVU Extension Small Farm Center and is held in conjunction with the West Virginia Small Farm Conference which is being held virtually this year on February 23-26.
“We encourage producers to sample their products and interact with customers. Part of making a sale is telling the story of your business and why it matters the Mountain State. We look forward to hosting our home-grown business from around West Virginia,” Leonhardt said.
Producers who wish to sign up as vendors should contact Lisa Jones at the WVU Extension Service Small Farm Center at lisa.lagana@mail.wvu.edu (304-293-2715) or Beth Southern with the WVDA at bsouthern@wvda.us (304-558-2210).