WHEREAS, Virginia farmers cultivate apple trees on 9,600 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, reaching 230 million pounds in 2024, ranks fifth nationally; and

WHEREAS, Virginia’s apple crop generated $64 million in 2024, including nearly $53 million in sales of fresh apples and over $ 11 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, Virginia apple country includes the mountainous region that stretches through the Shenandoah Valley and Roanoke Valley, from Frederick County in the north to Carroll County in the southwest; and

WHEREAS, apple orchards provide beloved agritourism experiences for individuals and families, drawing visitors from across the Commonwealth to learn more about where their food comes from by 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 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 2025, as APPLE MONTH in the COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all our citizens.