By Andi Anderson
In a collaborative effort to fortify regional agriculture, Commissioner of Agriculture Kent Leonhardt and counterparts from West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Ohio convened in Morgantown. The day-long Ag Roundtable delved into key topics such as foreign animal diseases, regional dairy production, and farmland preservation.
The session emphasized the significance of inter-state collaboration to tackle challenges like farmland loss and animal diseases. Commissioner Leonhardt commended Ohio and Pennsylvania for their avian influenza responses, urging continued efforts and funding pursuit.
Ohio Director of Agriculture Brian Baldridge stressed the borderless nature of ensuring plant, animal, and food safety. Future roundtables are envisioned to strengthen agricultural ties and knowledge sharing.
Pennsylvania Secretary of Agriculture Russell Redding highlighted the integral partnership and the need for shared initiatives to boost the resilience of the food system.
Discussions also covered the revival of West Virginia's dairy industry, with concerns shared by Pennsylvania and Ohio. A tour of the Mountaintop Beverage facility showcased innovations in dairy infrastructure.
Future roundtables are planned, sustaining this vital collaboration. The West Virginia Department of Agriculture remains committed to protecting plant, animal, and human health.
Photo Credit:pexels-fauxels
Categories: Ohio, General