EPA and West Virginia Renew Commitment to Support Farmers and Clean Water
Agreement highlights joint effort to deliver environmental and economic benefits across the Mountain State
CHARLESTON, W. VA. (January 27, 2026) — U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the West Virginia Department of Agriculture (WVDA) today reaffirmed their partnership through a renewed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to protect agricultural and environmental health and promote agribusiness for the next five years.
EPA Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Amy Van Blarcom-Lackey and West Virginia Agriculture Commissioner Kent Leonhardt signed the MOU at the West Virginia Capitol Building in Charleston.
“Farmers across West Virginia are already helping keep streams cleaner, and we’re proud to be their partner in agriculture,” said EPA Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Amy Van Blarcom-Lackey. “With this agreement, EPA and WVDA make it simpler for farmers to get help, share what works, and invest in practices that boost production and protect water quality at the same time.”
In the agreement, EPA and WVDA commit to, “share the goal of [achieving] well-managed and productive farms that produce food for our communities and a clean environment for everyone to enjoy.”
“Renewing this Memorandum of Understanding reaffirms our shared commitment to supporting West Virginia farmers while protecting our natural resources,” said West Virginia Agriculture Commissioner Kent Leonhardt. “By continuing our collaboration with EPA Region 3, we can strengthen communication, expand education and outreach, and ensure agricultural practices that are both productive and environmentally responsible.”
EPA and WVDA will produce an annual report to highlight collective achievements made under the MOU and to outline plans for the coming year.
MOU Activities
Under the renewed agreement, EPA and WVDA plan to:
- Increase state-federal collaboration by participating in organized meetings, sharing updates, and communicating about program and regulatory activities.
- Encourage open and transparent discussions between EPA and the agriculture community by hosting roundtables and farm tours and participating in events.
- Recognize, measure, and promote environmental stewardship by documenting and sharing best practices, case studies, and funding opportunities with farmers.
Enhance regulatory compliance and improve water quality by participating in joint training and program assessments and refining communications on compliance and enforcement activities.
The EPA/WVDA signed MOU will be posted to EPA's website soon.
About EPA
EPA Region 3 serves Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, and seven federally recognized Tribes. The agency is currently updating similar agreements with other states in Region 3. Follow EPA Region 3 on Instagram, X and Facebook.
EPA’s Office of Agriculture and Rural Affairs (OARA) serves as the primary liaison between rural and agricultural stakeholders and the agency. OARA works closely with EPA Region 3 to forge practical, science-based solutions that protect the environment while ensuring a vibrant and productive agricultural system.
EPA OARA is seeking new members for its Farm, Ranch, and Rural Communities Federal Advisory Committee (FRRCC). For more information on how to apply, please visit https://www.epa.gov/faca/frrcc. Nominations should be submitted no later than March 2, 2026.
About WVDA
The West Virginia Department of Agriculture protects plant, animal and human health through a variety of scientific, regulatory and consumer protection programs. The Commissioner of Agriculture is one of six statewide elected officials who sits on the Board of Public Works. Follow WVDA on Instagram, X, and Facebook. For more information about WVDA, visit https://agriculture.wv.gov .