WHEREAS, brewing locally crafted beer in Virginia is a tradition that dates to the Commonwealth's earliest days, when colonists produced their first ales using locally sourced ingredients; and 
 
WHEREAS, as Virginia commemorates the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States, the Commonwealth’s independent craft brewing industry proudly carries forward a brewing tradition rooted in Virginia’s colonial history, taverns, agriculture, and early manufacturing economy; and 
 
WHEREAS, Virginia’s independent craft brewing industry has grown into a nationally recognized driver of manufacturing, tourism, agriculture, entrepreneurship, and community revitalization across the Commonwealth; and 
 
WHEREAS, Virginia craft breweries produce 554,066 barrels of craft beer annually, ranking 13th in U.S. production, and the industry ranks number one among southern states for breweries per capita and number 16 nationally; and 
 
WHEREAS, craft breweries have become important gathering spaces and tourism destinations that contribute to the economic vitality and cultural identity of communities throughout Virginia; and 
 
WHEREAS, Virginia Craft Beer Month and Virginia Beer Day are an opportunity to recognize the Commonwealth’s independent craft beer industry, celebrate craft beer culture, and honor the businesses and community leaders driving innovation and growth; 
 
NOW THEREFORE I, Abigail D. Spanberger, Governor, do hereby recognize August 2026 as VIRGINIA CRAFT BEER MONTH and August 13, 2026 as VIRGINIA BEER DAY  in the COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call these observances to the attention of all of our citizens.