Governor Glenn Youngkin has designated June 22-28, 2025, as Virginia Agriculture Week to honor the state’s agricultural producers and highlight the significance of agriculture in Virginia’s economy. “Agriculture contributes over $82 billion to Virginia’s economy, provides an additional $43 billion in value-added impact, and generates over 381,000 jobs throughout the Commonwealth,” stated Governor Youngkin. He emphasized the industry’s essential role for more than four centuries in providing nourishment and growth for Virginians.
Virginia’s agricultural sector is diverse, producing livestock, field crops, fruits, vegetables, dairy products, and aquaculture. It also includes horses, lumber and wood products, wool and cotton fiber, bedding plants, Christmas trees, tobacco, sod, foliage plants, and cut flowers. Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Matthew Lohr noted that “Virginia is home to approximately 39,000 farms on more than 7.3 million acres of farmland across the Commonwealth,” with 95% being family-owned. He encouraged Virginians to support local economies by purchasing locally grown products.
The state ranks high nationally in various commodities: third for seafood landings and leaf tobacco; fifth for apples; sixth for turkeys; eighth for peanuts; and ninth for broilers. Commissioner Joseph Guthrie from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services remarked on the variety of local foods available thanks to Virginia farmers. “Virginia Agriculture Week is the perfect time to thank and show our support for local family farm businesses,” he said.
Consumers can identify local products by looking for Virginia Grown and Virginia’s Finest logos on items like produce and craft beverages. Local farmers markets or roadside stands offer fresh food options. More information can be found at https://vagrown.vdacs.virginia.gov or https://vafinest.vdacs.virginia.gov/.
