Virginia Pumpkin 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 harvested 4,200 acres of pumpkins with fresh market production valued at $11.9 million in 2022; and

WHEREAS, an increasing number of Virginia farmers have effectively utilized the Commonwealth’s favorable environment for growing pumpkins, taking advantage of higher elevations and cooler temperatures to produce a high-value crop beloved by consumers; and

WHEREAS, Virginia ranks 10^th nationally in pumpkin cash receipts, thanks to the nearly 400 commercial pumpkin growers across the Commonwealth; and

WHEREAS, pumpkins are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to boost immune systems, protect eyesight, lower the risk of certain cancers, and promote heart and skin health; and

WHEREAS, pick-your-own pumpkin farms provide a family-friendly, outdoor experience that showcases Virginia farms and agritourism enterprises; and

WHEREAS, the marketing of pumpkins, related fall crops and other merchandise through festivals, direct sales, and buyer contacts, along with the expanded production of pumpkins in recent years, provide an additional income stream for many of Virginia’s agricultural producers and supports the agriculture industry overall; and

WHEREAS, Pumpkin Month is an opportunity to acknowledge the work of those who cultivate and harvest pumpkins and the value of pumpkins to Virginians;

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

Governor of Virginia

Proclamations