Josh Malencia recently began his position as the West Virginia University Extension agriculture and natural resources agent in Monongalia County.
Growing up in Washington, Pennsylvania and having previously worked for WVU Extension, Malencia brings experience to this position. In his new role, Malencia has already attended meetings in the county, shared the work WVU Extension is doing and started developing programming.
Malencia previously worked at a 400-acre horticulture and agritourism establishment and for the USDA as a harvest processing inspector in Harrison County. He also has done work for WVU Extension while earning his degree. Malencia is most excited to do research as an agriculture and natural resources agent.
“To me, being an agriculture and natural resources agent means helping the community through research, education and service,” Malencia said. “It also means being available for the people of Monongalia County and being part of the county.”
When asked about his immediate plans to get started, Malencia noted that he wants to attend as many events as possible in the county to get to know the people. Malencia is also looking forward to furthering his education at WVU in agribusiness.
“I hope to integrate my experience into what we do at WVU Extension and form programs that are relevant to the community and their needs,” Malencia said. “Agriculture can be a tough industry, we all need food, so it is essential that we give farmers the best aid to keep a stable food system,” Malencia said. “I have a background in agribusiness, local foods, consumer horticulture and more, so I am looking forward to implementing programming with a focus in these areas. This is the direction many profitable farms are going, so it is important to give growers the best information possible.”
Malencia has a bachelor’s degree from WVU in agribusiness. In this role, he will work with farmers and landowners to enhance their production and management skills to improve the profitability and sustainability of their farm businesses and local food endeavors.
“Josh is already out meeting community members, and his focus will be on agribusiness, consumer horticulture, local foods and agritourism-related community development,” Ronnie Helmondollar, director of WVU Extension Agriculture and Natural Resources, said. “Josh has previously worked for WVU Extension in agriculture, so he is familiar with the work and has hit the ground running.”
If you want to learn more about WVU Extension, visit extension.wvu.edu or follow @WVUExtension on Facebook, YouTube, X and Instagram.
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sd/02/17/25
CONTACT: Sophia Darmelio
Marketing Strategist
WVU Division for Land-Grant Engagement
304-293-9490; sophia.darmelio@mail.wvu.edu