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, 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, in 2021, Virginia farmers harvested 4,700 acres of pumpkins with fresh market production valued at $14.8 million; and,

WHEREAS, in 2020, Virginia ranked fifth 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 Virginia 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 2022 as PUMPKIN MONTH in the COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of our citizens.

Governor of Virginia

Proclamations