Farmers take issues to lawmakers

Small farmers and farming organizations are meeting with state lawmakers today on various bills that could jump-start local farming businesses, ranging from processing more rabbit meat to tax credits for food bank donations.

The third annual Local Food and Farms Day, beginning at 9 a.m. at the State Capitol’s Upper House Rotunda, is set to start the conversation between the farming industry and the Legislature on how to strengthen the state’s agriculture sector. The event is open to the public.

“I can talk about these issues all day, but it really makes pushing for these bills a lot more powerful if you get the farmers talking directly with legislators,” said Parween Mascari, executive director of the West Virginia Farmers Market Association.

The event will hold meetings between farmers and legislators throughout the day, along with a celebratory luncheon and rally at Bluegrass Kitchen on Washington Street East.

- See more at: http://www.wvgazettemail.com/news-business/20170222/farmers-take-issues-to-lawmakers-