Virginia to observe "Agriculture Week" June 22-28

Source - Virginia Farm Bureau Federation

RICHMOND, VA — From fresh produce to family traditions, Virginia’s farms offer plenty to celebrate. This year’s observance of Virginia Agriculture Week, June 22-28, is a time to honor the people who provide our food and fiber.

The annual celebration is organized by the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, which encourages consumers to support the state’s producers by buying Virginia-grown products and visiting local farms and agribusinesses.

Agriculture is Virginia’s largest private industry. The industry has an economic impact of $82.3 billion annually, provides more than 381,800 jobs in the Commonwealth, and has a $43.8 billion value-added impact. Image credit - VA Farm Bureau

“Farmers are the backbone of our communities, and we celebrate their contributions every day,” said Scott Sink, president of Virginia Farm Bureau Federation. “Virginia Agriculture Week gives us a special opportunity to shine a spotlight on their hard work, innovation, and dedication to providing the food and resources we all rely on.”

As the state’s largest private industry, Virginia agriculture is an economic powerhouse, contributing $82.3 billion to the economy. Combined with forestry, that economic impact increases to over $105 billion and supports more than 490,000 jobs across the state.

Agriculture is a deeply rooted tradition in Virginia, where nearly 39,000 farms span 7.3 million acres. With varied climates and terrain stretching from the rugged Southwest mountains to the fertile Shenandoah Valley and the sandy soils of the coastal plains, Virginia has one of the most diverse agricultural landscapes in the nation.

This diversity allows farmers to cultivate a range of commodities, from apples, potatoes, and wine grapes to cattle, poultry, and shellfish. Many Virginia grown products are among the top 10 in the U.S. including tobacco, seafood, apples, turkeys, peanuts, and broiler chickens, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Virginia agriculture also shines on the global stage with agricultural and forestry exports totaling more than $3.6 billion in 2023. Top export destinations include China, Canada, the United Kingdom, Taiwan and Belgium.

Beyond economics, agriculture is a cherished pastime for many Virginians. Families make memories at U-pick farms, enjoy crisp bites of summer sweet corn, visit fall pumpkin patches and shop holiday farmers markets in winter.

In addition to supporting recreation and tourism, Virginia’s farmers are stewards of the land. Many employ conservation practices like no-till planting, rotational grazing, cover cropping and precision fertilizing to protect soil, water, wildlife habitats and natural resources. More than 416,000 acres across 2,500 farms are enrolled in conservation easement programs, ensuring that scenic farmland remains for future generations.

Celebrate Virginia agriculture by visiting local farmers markets, roadside stands or agritourism destinations. To find farmstands or farmers markets near you, visit the Virginia Grown website. Look for the Virginia Grown and Virginia’s Finest logos on products in grocery stores, specialty stores and farmers markets across the state.