West Virginia Department of Agriculture FY 2023 Budget Overview
The West Virginia Department of Agriculture (WVDA) plays a crucial role in ensuring a safe and sustainable food supply for the state. This budget presentation highlights the importance of modernizing regulations, fostering growth in agriculture, and addressing the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on WVDA operations. Despite challenges, the department continues to strive for economic development, food safety, and public health protection.
Download Presentation
Please find below an Image/Link to download the presentation.
The content on the website is provided AS IS for your information and personal use only. It may not be sold, licensed, or shared on other websites without obtaining consent from the author. Download presentation by click this link. If you encounter any issues during the download, it is possible that the publisher has removed the file from their server.
E N D
Presentation Transcript
West Virginia Department of Agriculture FY 2023 Budget Presentation Kent A. Leonhardt, West Virginia Commissioner of Agriculture
Agriculture in West Virginia The COVID-19 pandemic emphasized the importance of access to safe, locally- sourced food products, which made the facets of WVDA s mission even more critical. Agriculture is key to the State's economy, with an annual contribution of $800 million, but WVDA has identified solutions to expand agricultural industries to further benefit EVERY WEST VIRGINIAN EVERY DAY. The Department of Agriculture (WVDA) continues its mission to foster economic development, ensure an adequate, safe, and wholesome food supply, and protect the health of the public, livestock, and agricultural products. WEST VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Facilitating Growth In Agriculture Regulations must be modernized so producers are supported and encouraged, rather than hindered, to take advantage of new opportunities. Consumers must have a healthy and secure food supply at the local level to address food insecurity and minimize the impact of national supply chain interruptions. Additionally, valuable partnerships with external entities must exist to allow for a collaborative approach to creating, attracting, or expanding agribusinesses and job creation. Proper, modern infrastructure for agricultural product monitoring and testing must be maintained to ensure public safety. Producers must be provided with tools and support for branding and marketing activities to be competitive in local, national, or even global markets. WEST VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Agency Fiscal Position Factoring out the effects of recent across-the-board increases and new programs, WVDA's core General Revenue operating funds are roughly equal to that of FYs 2007-2008. Improvement Requests have been submitted to support the agency s mission by addressing critical agency infrastructure needs, investing in staff, and continuing to develop opportunities for positive economic impact to the State and its citizens. WVDA s FY 2023 Appropriation Request has been filed at a level equal to current year; reductions to General Revenue or additional unfunded or partially- funded mandates would strain limited agency resources. WEST VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Agency Pandemic Impact The economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic to WVDA was in excess of $3.6 million at the end of FY 2021. Many pre-pandemic efficiencies, such as use of virtual training for staff, e-signatures, and use of Teams for remote meetings and collaboration, allowed operations to continue with minimal impact and cost. WVDA s Cedar Lakes Conference Center and Food Distribution Program both incurred significant operating losses (included in the total above) due to the pandemic s effect on public gatherings and school operations. As shown on the following tables, WVDA received federal funding for pandemic relief, with the vast majority being passed through to external entities. Throughout the pandemic, WVDA maintained operations to assure all its mandates were being met for uninterrupted service to the public and agricultural industries. WEST VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
COVID-19 Pandemic Federal Funding (USDA) Funding Source Award Date(s) Original Award Expended Remaining Emergency Food Assistance Program* Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) Emergency Food Assistance Program* Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES) Emergency Food Assistance Program* CARES Act 3rd Supplemental Appropriation (COSUP) Commodity Supplemental Food Program* CARES Act 3rd Supplemental Appropriation (COSUP) Commodity Supplemental Food Program* American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA) Farmer/Rancher Stress Assistance Network Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2021 (CRRSAA) Specialty Crop Block Grant Program COVID Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2021 (CRRSAA) National Animal Health Lab Network Infrastructure II - Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2021 (CRRSAA) *Denotes funding intended to be fully obligated and passed through to subrecipient organization(s) Mar. 2020, Oct. 2020 Mar. 2020, Oct. 2020, Nov. 2021 $ 464,122 $ 460,817 $ 3,305 1,500,982 853,325 647,657 Oct. 2020 501,931 501,931 0 Oct. 2020 33,821 0 33,821 Oct. 2020 249,393 8,943 240.450 Sep. 2021 500,000 1,210 498,790 Sep. 2021 411,639 0 411,639 Sep. 2021 187,200 0 187,200 WEST VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
COVID-19 Pandemic Federal Funding (Other) Funding Source Award Date(s) Original Award Expended Remaining SNAP Stretch* via Governor s Office CARES funding SNAP Stretch Community Development Block Grant* - via Development Office CARES funding *Denotes funding intended to be fully obligated and passed through to subrecipient organization(s) Oct. 2020 $ 100,000 $ 100,000 $ 0 Award Pending 200,000 N/A N/A WEST VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Appropriation Summary (FY2017 Current) Funding Source FY17 FY18 FY19 FY20 FY21 FY22 0131 DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE FUND 00100 - PERSONAL SERVICES AND EMPLOYEE BENEFITS 03900 - ANIMAL IDENTIFICATION PROGRAM 05500 - STATE FARM MUSEUM 11900 - GYPSY MOTH PROGRAM 12800 - HUNTINGTON FARMERS MARKET (Combined into WV Farmers Markets) 12801 - WV FARMERS MARKETS 13000 - CURRENT EXPENSES 13700 - BLACK FLY CONTROL 13701 - HEMP Program (New FY21) 36300 - DONATED FOODS PROGRAM 36301 - VETERANS TO AGRICULTURE PROGRAM (New FY19) 47000 - PREDATOR CONTROL 50100 - LOGAN FARMERS MARKET (Combined into WV Farmers Markets) 69100 - BEE RESEARCH 74600 - CHARLESTON FARMERS MARKET (Combined into WV Farmers Markets) 78500 - MICROBIOLOGY PROGRAM 78600 - MOOREFIELD AGRICULTURE CENTER 83000 - CHESAPEAKE BAY WATERSHED 84300 - LIVESTOCK CARE STANDARDS BOARD 91300 - BRIM PREMIUM 94101 - STATE FFA-FHA CAMP AND CONFERENCE CENTER (New FY17) 94200 - THREAT PREPAREDNESS 96900 - WV FOOD BANKS 97000 - SENIOR'S FARMERS' MARKET NUTRITION COUPON PROGRAM 0131 Total 0135 MEAT INSPECTION FUND 00100 - PERSONAL SERVICES AND EMPLOYEE BENEFITS 09900 - UNCLASSIFIED 13000 - CURRENT EXPENSES 0135 Total 0136 AGRICULTURAL AWARDS FUNDS 57700 - PROGRAMS AND AWARDS FOR 4-H CLUBS AND FFA/FHA 73700 - COMMISSIONER'S AWARDS AND PROGRAMS 0136 Total Grand Total $ 5,144,066 122,143 87,759 924,080 $ 5,105,550 121,528 87,759 917,769 $ 5,301,277 126,318 87,759 954,230 $ 6,298,229 131,942 87,759 1,003,440 $ 6,298,229 131,942 87,759 1,003,440 $ 6,298,229 131,942 87,759 1,003,440 37,142 37,142 150,467 141,960 453,164 150,467 848,115 453,698 150,467 848,115 453,698 350,000 45,000 255,624 176,400 150,467 848,115 453,698 350,000 45,000 255,624 176,400 135,155 450,830 135,155 450,434 45,000 45,000 45,000 250,000 176,400 45,000 255,624 176,400 176,400 176,400 41,277 65,892 40,988 65,470 67,822 70,634 70,634 70,634 71,429 97,454 912,312 102,700 8,820 120,202 588,000 69,524 126,000 55,923 9,382,108 71,429 97,126 905,605 102,023 8,820 129,818 586,215 68,987 126,000 55,840 9,335,058 97,016 933,624 106,803 8,820 138,905 613,246 70,731 426,000 55,835 10,205,377 99,828 975,284 112,427 8,820 138,905 638,554 73,122 126,000 55,835 11,750,083 99,828 975,284 112,427 8,820 138,905 738,554 73,122 426,000 55,835 12,500,083 99,828 975,284 112,427 8,820 138,905 738,554 73,122 426,000 55,835 12,500,083 624,268 7,132 81,838 713,238 620,127 7,090 81,880 709,097 640,093 7,090 82,605 729,788 668,030 7,090 82,605 757,725 668,030 7,090 82,605 757,725 668,030 7,090 82,605 757,725 15,000 39,250 54,250 15,000 39,250 54,250 15,000 39,250 54,250 15,000 39,250 54,250 15,000 39,250 54,250 15,000 39,250 54,250 10,149,596 10,098,405 10,989,415 12,562,058 13,312,058 13,312,058 WEST VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Recent Agency Improvements The initial FY 2021 appropriation was fully expended; the FY 2022 year-to-date expenditures are $228,778, so it is anticipated the current year appropriation will be fully expended as well. The goal of this program is to establish registration and testing processes to ensure that hemp products available to consumers are safe and meet industry standards. Quality products are essential for consumer protection and the expanding hemp industry. In FY 2021, a General Revenue appropriation was established for WVDA s Hemp Program (0131-13701). The appropriation provides $350,000 annually for testing and regulation of hemp products. WEST VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Budgeted Positions Funding Source* Filled Vacant Total General Revenue Special Revenue Federal Revenue 143.21 63.57 35.22 244.00 21.42 10.16 10.42 42.00 164.63 73.73 45.64 284.00 Total *Positions as of 12/31/21; excludes WV Conservation Agency and WV Agricultural Land Protection Authority funds WEST VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Vacancies Salary Range* Vacancies Under $32,000 $32,000 - $64,000 14 26 $32,000 $44,000 20 $45,000 - $64,000 6 $64,000 - $100,000 Over $100,000 Total *Positions as of 12/31/21;excludes WV Conservation Agency and WV AgriculturalLand Protection Authorityfunds 2 0 42 WEST VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Improvement and Supplemental Requests Total Request FY22 FY23 Priority Fund Program Supplemental Improvement General Revenue 1 2 3 4 5 6 Special Revenue (Spending Authority Only) 1 1481 2 1423 3 1422 0131 0135 0131 0131 0131 0131 Guthrie Laboratory (FY22 -or- FY23) Meat and Poultry Inspection WV Grown Program Fresh Food Act Salary Enhancement SNAP Stretch 55,000,000 300,000 1,000,000 250,000 250,000 200,000 Spay Neuter Assistance Program Fund Agriculture Development Fund Agriculture Investment Fund 100,000 500,000 500,000 WEST VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
General Revenue Requests
Guthrie Laboratory Fund 0131 | $55,000,000 | FY22 -or- FY23 This Improvement (or current-year Supplemental) Request will secure dedicated General Revenue funding with reappropriation language for site preparation and new lab construction at the Guthrie Agricultural Center. A new facility designed by ZMM Architects & Engineers, in partnership with CannonDesign, will provide 42,000 sq. ft. of purpose-built, modern laboratory and administrative space. Current facilities were not originally intended to house laboratory space and WVDA continues to demonstrate their inadequacy due to age (and related maintenance needs), lack of space, functionality, and security. WEST VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Guthrie Laboratory (cont) Fund 0131 | $55,000,000 | FY22 -or- FY23 WVDA has been able to implement new programs and lab processes that have had a national impact; however outdated facilities hinder these endeavors. A new laboratory will position WVDA to support both state and national health initiatives, participate in intrastate and interstate testing efforts (especially during an emergency or other large-scale incident), and become a leader in agricultural testing and lab training. Modernized laboratory space will not only support public and livestock health; it is also integral to maintaining the State s economy since a multitude of industries could not operate without the lab services that monitor a breadth of products for quality and safety. It is also necessary in order to better respond to future emergencies or public health crises. WEST VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Meat and Poultry Inspection Fund 0135 | $300,000 | FY23 There is also new growth in the industry: Three (3) newly- constructed slaughter/processing plans are expected to begin operations in mid-2022, adding to the state s processing capability. Two (2) new processing- only plants are expected to open in 2022, to provide value-added products and supply local grocery stores with source materials. Three (3) additional small slaughter plants are being planned that will likely become operational in 2023. Adequate staffing levels must be maintained in order to guarantee an inspection presence at each plant. The new plants will require inspectors 100% of the time so the plants can operate in accordance with federal standards. Federal funds have not yet been available for the typically 50/50 cost-shared positions with the USDA Food Safety Inspection Service. Existing processors expanded operations due to national supply chain issues and increased consumer interest in locally-sourced meat and poultry products. Increased demand has caused many processors to hire additional staff or change hours of operation. Calendar year 2020 had significant production increases as a result of the pandemic. 2021 saw overall production levels 40-50% higher than calendar year 2019 (pre- pandemic). This Improvement Request will increase the General Revenue appropriation for the Meat and Poultry Inspection Program to fund 4.00 additional program FTEs for in-plant food safety monitoring in response to growth and greater demand on the in- state processing industry since the pandemic. Additional staff will maintain inspection service to ensure food safety for the public, while benefitting processors, livestock producers, and consumers. WEST VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
WV Grown Program Fund 0131 | $1,000,000 | FY23 This Improvement Request will secure an ongoing, dedicated General Revenue funding source to fund a comprehensive approach, including 4.00 new FTEs and a marketing and branding program to fully develop the previously-unfunded West Virginia Grown initiative. This marketing and branding program develops affordable, healthy, and locally-sourced products to support economic growth for producers, manufacturers, agribusinesses, addresses community food access and insecurity, and promotes public health. Program staff funded by this appropriation will facilitate relationships and development opportunities for producers and buyers as well as provide public and producer education and other technical assistance. Reappropriation language is requested to secure ongoing use of funding. WEST VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Fresh Food Act Fund 0131 | $250,000 | FY23 Program staff funded by this appropriation will facilitate relationships between in-state producers and consumers (state institutions), educate producers looking to begin or expand agricultural production, and provide technical support to institutions that wish to grow their own produce. The Fresh Food Act is an important tool to assist with both economic development and access to locally- grown products, as it provides a method to direct in-state agricultural products to state-operated institutions. This Improvement Request will secure an ongoing, dedicated General Revenue funding source to fund 2.00 new FTEs and related costs to ensure maximum economic benefit from proper implementation of the Fresh Food Act. WEST VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Salary Enhancement Fund 0131 | $250,000 | FY23 WVDA relies on a diverse workforce, including many highly- trained scientific positions, to carry out its breadth of programs. It is necessary to address positions that are compensated less than current market rates or less than peer state agencies. Sufficient resources will allow WVDA to evaluate and adjust salaries to better recruit and retain personnel, especially in critical laboratory positions such as Chemists, Microbiologists, and other technical positions. An ongoing General Revenue Improvement Request for 0131- 00100 (Personal Services) will provide resources to support adjustments to existing full-time positions to address compensation inequalities for in- demand positions. WEST VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
SNAP Stretch Fund 0131 | $200,000 | FY23 Reappropriation language is requested to secure ongoing use of funding. A one-time $100,000 award of CARES Act funding via the Governor s Office in 2020 allowed 6,000+ households better access to meat, poultry, and eggs (in addition to the regular SNAP fresh produce). Dedicated funding will allow that initiative to be continued and expanded. This Improvement Request will secure an ongoing, dedicated General Revenue funding source to support a partnership with the WV Food and Farm Coalition to expand food purchases for federal SNAP recipients. WEST VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Special Revenue Requests
Spay Neuter Assistance Program Fund Fund 1481 | $100,000 (Spending Authority Only) | FY22 and FY23 The number of annual grants to eligible organizations continues to increase and currently supports 9,000+ annual spay/neuter procedures for cats and dogs. Additional spending authority will allow full utilization of fund resources to maximize statewide support for addressing stray and feral populations. Ongoing Improvement and Supplemental Requests will increase existing spending authority for the Special Revenue fund which serves as the sole funding source for the WV Spay and Neuter Assistance Program under WV Code 19-20C-1. WEST VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Agriculture Development Fund Fund 1423 | $500,000 (Spending Authority Only) | FY22 and FY23 Dedicated revenue into this fund is provided by the established hard cider tax rate and will be used in turn to facilitate fruit production and other initiatives specifically targeted at this emerging industry. These ongoing Improvement and Supplemental Requests will establish initial spending authority for the fund created under WV Code 19-2-12 as a dedicated Special Revenue funding source for supporting the growth of West Virginia s hard cider industry. WEST VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Agriculture Investment Fund Fund 1422 | $500,000 (Spending Authority Only) | FY22 and FY23 Investment in the agriculture community is necessary for economic growth and diversification in the agribusiness sector by expanding existing enterprises or attracting new entities. In addition to economic benefits, this furthers public access to locally grown food and other locally produced or valued-added products. Improvement and Supplemental Requests will establish ongoing spending authority for the fund created under WV Code 19-38 to function as a dedicated Special Revenue funding source to support the Agriculture Investment Program. WEST VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Have Questions? Jennifer Greenlief Assistant Commissioner (304) 558-3200 jgreenlief@wvda.us Kent A. Leonhardt Commissioner (304) 558-3200 kleonhardt@wvda.us . Alan Clemans Chief Financial Officer (304) 558-2221 aclemans@wvda.us Joseph L. Hatton Deputy Commissioner (304) 558-3200 jhatton@wvda.us Crescent Gallagher Director of Communications (304) 558-3708 cgallagher@wvda.us Norman Bailey Chief of Staff (304) 558-3200 nbailey@wvda.us
