Virginia Apple Month

By virtue of the authority vested by the Constitution of Virginia in the Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia, there is hereby officially recognized:

WHEREAS, Virginia farmers cultivate apple trees on approximately 8,000 acres across the Commonwealth to produce a variety of apples, such as Fuji, Gala, Ginger Gold, Golden Delicious, Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Jonagold, Jonathan, McIntosh, Pink Lady, Red Delicious, Rome, Stayman, Winesap, and York Imperial; and

WHEREAS, the Commonwealth’s apple production, of 184 million pounds in 2022, ranks fifth nationally; and

WHEREAS, Virginia’s apple crop generated more than $55 million in 2022, including $39.5 million in sales of fresh apples and over $15 million in sales of processed apple products; and

WHEREAS, Virginia’s apple harvest extends from early August through late October, and with advanced storage technologies, the fruit maintains freshness and is available nearly year-round; and

WHEREAS, most Virginia apples are grown in the Shenandoah Valley through the Roanoke Valley areas, along with Patrick and Carroll counties, and are shipped across the United States and internationally; and

WHEREAS, apple orchards provide unique agritourism experiences by offering an opportunity for visitors to learn more about agricultural practices while picking fruit directly from the source; and

WHEREAS, apples can be processed into many different value-added products such as applesauce, apple cider, jams, pies, and vinegar, many of which are part of the Virginia's Finest Program; and

WHEREAS, Virginia apples are an incredibly nutritious fruit that is low in sodium, fat, and cholesterol, low calorie, high-fiber, and a great source of Vitamin C;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Glenn Youngkin, do hereby recognize October 2023, as APPLE MONTH in the COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all our citizens.

Governor of Virginia

Proclamations