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Grazing for Appalachian Sustainability (GRASS)

Serving small and underserved farmers in Central Appalachia.


Project Overview

West Virginia University Extension is leading the GRazing for Appalachian SuStainability (GRASS) grant project. The goal of the GRASS project is to improve knowledge and management practices for small farmers in Central Appalachia, including all of West Virginia and the 25 western counties in Virginia, to expand markets for Appalachian cattle and beef. The GRASS project was awarded by the USDA Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities. The goal of GRASS is to facilitate the production of Appalachian cattle and beef, promoting a shift from conventional management practices to soil health-conscious practices on working lands.

The GRASS project provides farmers with educational and technical assistance, as well as financial incentives, to support the transition from conventional management to sustainable conservation practices on working lands. Transitioning to conservation management practices for cattle and beef production will improve soil health while boosting economic outcomes for small and underserved farmers in Appalachia. Participating farmers may qualify to receive an annual cash incentive, training and marketing assistance. 

Project Partners

  • WVU Davis College of Agriculture and Natural Resources; WVU Extension Agriculture and Natural Resources; WVU Extension Small Farm Center
  • Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
  • Virginia State University Cooperative Extension Small Farm Outreach Program
  • West Virginia Conservation Agency
  • West Virginia Association of Conservation Districts
  • Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation
  • Hickory Nut Gap
  • Farmers United Cattle Company

Working with our project partners, our goal is to recruit and support participating farms in West Virginia and Virginia.

Current News

As of April 13, 2025, the current GRASS grant has officially been terminated. This termination comes as part of a wide-sweeping effort by the USDA to reevaluate the Climate Smart Commodities Program as a whole. Grants under the Climate Smart Commodities Program are given the opportunity to resubmit a revised proposal under the new Advancing Markets for Producers (AMP) initiative. West Virginia University and its partner organizations are actively working to take advantage of this opportunity and continue to serve our producers. If you would like to stay informed on the future of the project, please sign up for the email list below.

 Email List Sign-Up

For more information, reach out to Kate Fotos, GRASS project program coordinator.