WHEREAS, Virginia farmers have cultivated pumpkins successfully using the Commonwealth’s favorable growing conditions, producing a valuable crop for culinary, agricultural, and seasonal uses; and

 

WHEREAS, in 2025, Virginia farmers harvested approximately 4,700 acres of pumpkins, ranking the Commonwealth third nationally in fresh market production, valued at $16.9 million; and

 

WHEREAS, Virginia ranked seventh nationally in total pumpkin production value in 2025, supported by nearly 400 pumpkin growers across the Commonwealth, with Carroll, Bland, Rockingham, Floyd, Caroline, and Hanover among the leading counties by acres harvested; and

 

WHEREAS, Virginia pumpkins are purchased by consumers, local companies, and processors to produce value-added products such as pumpkin pies, breads, seed oils, and spices, many of which are part of the Virginia’s Finest program; and

 

WHEREAS, pick-your-own pumpkin farms provide family-friendly outdoor experiences that showcase Virginia agriculture and support agritourism across the Commonwealth; and

 

WHEREAS, the marketing of pumpkins, fall crops, and related products through festivals, direct sales, and other markets provides an important source of income for Virginia’s agricultural producers; and

 

WHEREAS, pumpkins are rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that support immune function, eye health, and heart and skin health and may help reduce the risk of certain cancers;

 

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Abigail D. Spanberger, Governor, do hereby recognize October 2026, as VIRGINIA PUMPKIN MONTH in the COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all of our citizens.