WHEREAS, brewing homegrown, locally sourced beer in Virginia is a tradition that began when the colonists brewed their first ale using corn; and

WHEREAS, since the passing of the tasting room bill in 2012, the number of breweries in Virginia has grown 500%, contributing to a thriving craft beer industry that now includes 345 licensed craft breweries; and

WHEREAS, Virginia’s craft beer industry generates a total economic impact of $1.5 billion through brewing, distribution, retail, and related businesses, while also supporting local farmers of grains, barley, fruit, vegetables, and hops, as well as the manufacturing sector, distribution networks, community revitalization, and tourism; and

WHEREAS, Virginia craft breweries produce 397,161 barrels of craft beer annually, ranking 16th in U.S. production, and the industry ranks #2 among southern states for breweries per capita and #19 nationally; and

WHEREAS, the Virginia General Assembly established the Virginia Beer Distribution Company in 2024 to provide wholesale beer distribution services for licensed Virginia breweries, strengthening local access to markets; and

WHEREAS, more than 11% of tasting room patrons travel from outside the city, town, or state where the brewery is located, contributing to regional tourism and economic vitality; and

WHEREAS, Virginia Craft Beer Month is an opportunity to recognize the Commonwealth’s independent craft beer industry, celebrate craft beer culture, and honor the business and community leaders driving innovation and growth;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Glenn Youngkin, do hereby recognize August 2025, as VIRGINIA CRAFT BEER MONTH in the COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all of our citizens.