WVU to appeal cancellation of USDA Farm Service Agency award
West Virginia University will appeal the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s decision to cancel the federal award from its Increasing Land, Capital, and Market Access Program, funded by the American Rescue Plan Act.
On March 23, the USDA Farm Service Agency notified WVU of the cancellation, consequently terminating a five-year, $8.5 million cooperative agreement with the WVU Institute for Community and Rural Health and its project, “Working Lands of Central Appalachia”—which was being implemented by Nourish West Virginia, an initiative of ICRH.
“Nourish West Virginia has strengthened West Virginia’s health and economy by making great strides toward bridging the gap between local producers and health care systems, ensuring that fresh, mountain-state food reaches vulnerable communities while providing fair pricing for farmers,” April Vestal, ICRH director, said.
Megan Govindan, IRCH research scientist and NWV portfolio director, is spearheading the appeal process.
“The continuation of this project is critical to improving the health and overall well-being of all West Virginians,” Govindan said. “By integrating values-based procurement and ‘Food is Medicine’ initiatives, the program creates a resilient agricultural model that fosters both clinical wellness and regional financial stability."
Since its inception, the program has provided resources and expertise to strengthen Mountain State food systems, helping make West Virginia healthier.
Included on the project are ten sub-awardees, including seven state and regional organizations that are working on the ground to improve the food system and increase access to fresh, local food for all West Virginians: West Virginia Farmers Market Association; BBG the West Virginian; Economic Development Greater East; WV Military Authority Patriot Guardens; WV Department of Agriculture; Center for Dairy Excellence; Virginia Cooperative Extension and VSU College of Agriculture; Farm to Institution New England; Food Systems Leadership Network; and Health Care Without Harm.
Project subawardees and their affiliates who are interested in supporting the appeal process are encouraged to provide feedback no later than Friday, April 17.
The public is also invited to provide feedback by sending an email to workinglandsproject@gmail.com.
About the featured photo (WV farm stand) : The West Virginia Farmers Market Association is one of ten ILA subcontracted partners that received a notice of agreement termination from WVU on March 25, 2026, as a result of the USDA’s cancellation of the federal award from its Increasing Land, Capital, and Market Access Program. (Submitted photo: WVFMA/Holly Morgan.)