2026-08-24 Agritourism Task Force meeting

The Jefferson County, West Virginia, Agritourism Task Force met on August 25, 2026 (the meeting title is dated August 24). Members approved the July 20 minutes. USDA Appalachian Fruit Research Station scientists presented research on grape, apple, pear, and other fruit varieties suited to the region, including a grape-breeding program funded by the Virginia Wine Board through a cooperative agreement with Cornell University. They described possible collaboration with local growers, but no county contract, purchase, or funding decision was made. Public commenters encouraged broader input from local producers and proposed developing the Burr Farm as an agricultural heritage and education site.

The task force discussed potential changes to county zoning and land-development rules affecting farm markets, wineries, breweries, farm events, farm-building requirements, and locally sourced products. Members passed a motion to use an extended board meeting, identified as September 21, to develop proposed text amendments and discuss other ways to connect with and gather input from farmers; proposals are to be brought back to the task force and submitted to the county administrator for review. No procurement activity, contract award, bid approval, or spending allocation was identified.