MARTINSBURG — For the first time ever, the West Virginia Farm Bureau’s Summer Agriculture Institute for Educators program will be coming to the Eastern Panhandle.
Preparations are underway for the event taking place at Blue Ridge CTC next month, where 70 agricultural educators from the area will attend and learn about the innovations that the Mountain State has provided in the realm of agriculture.
It serves as a way for educators to continue their own education about the benefits of utilizing farmland, which they can then take back to their respective classrooms.
Morgan Seeley, the Agribusiness Instructional Specialist for Blue Ridge CTC, said the Eastern Panhandle really offers a lot of unique agricultural opportunities that you can’t find anywhere else in the state.
“We have a lot of flatter land for orchards and crop production than the rest of the state. We have a vested interested in agriculture, especially in Berkeley and Jefferson Counties, and there’s a lot of farmland out this way too,” she said.
Seeley hopes that if all goes well, the Farm Bureau may consider making Blue Ridge CTC the permanent venue for the event.
Seeley also said Blue Ridge staff are currently putting together welcome bags for the participating educators in the program, including items from local businesses.
She explained they are still looking for businesses to donate items, saying, “Anything from samples, items from a farmers market including fresh fruit, coupons for local restaurants, business cards – anything to promote your business. If you want to give coupons or little samples from your business that would be great too.”
If you would like to make a donation for the welcome bags or want more information about signing up for the program, e-mail [email protected] or give her a call at 304-839-4411.
The deadline to donate items in June 20th.