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, in 2023, Virginia farmers harvested approximately 4,600 acres of pumpkins with fresh market production valued at $15.5 million; 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 that consumers use for a variety of purposes; and

WHEREAS, Virginia ranks 9^th nationally in pumpkin production, thanks to the nearly 400 commercial pumpkin growers across the Commonwealth, with the top pumpkin growing counties being Carroll, Caroline, Hanover, and Rockingham; 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, Virginia pumpkins can be purchased by local companies and processors to create value-added products such as pumpkin pies, breads, seed oils, and spices, of which many are a part of the Virginia’s Finest program; 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, provide an additional income stream for many of Virginia’s agricultural producers; 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 2024, as PUMPKIN MONTH in the COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all our citizens.

Governor of Virginia

Proclamations