Manchin, Capito Announce Funding to Increase Opportunities for West Virginia Farms

Charleston, WV — U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), both members of the Senate Appropriations Committee, today announced Universal Schedule and Booking LLC in Harpers Ferry, W.Va., will receive $125,000 from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA). This funding will be used to help develop a digital application that creates a direct-to-consumer virtual marketplace for agricultural products, helping bridge the gap between small to mid-size farmers and consumers.

“West Virginia’s farmers, ranchers and rural development professionals play a critical role in our state’s economy and provide nutritious, locally grown food, which is why I’m pleased USDA is investing in Universal Schedule and Booking in Harpers Ferry. The new digital marketplace will support our farmers across the state and help ensure future generations have access to fresh agricultural products,” Senator Manchin said. “I look forward to seeing the positive impacts of this investment and as a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I will continue to advocate for funding that supports West Virginia’s agriculture industry.”

“West Virginia has one of the highest concentrations of small, family owned farms in the nation. These farms are responsible for producing everything from poultry and cattle, to berries and Christmas trees, and they contribute billions annually to our state’s economy. This is why it’s essential that our farmers have access to information that helps them make informed marketing decisions that connect them to consumers across West Virginia and the country. This initiative has the potential to assist in this effort, and can help our famers reach their full potential,” Senator Capito said.