The Shadow
Governor Glenn Youngkin received Christmas trees and wreaths today from the Virginia Christmas Tree Growers Association (VCTGA) to help decorate Virginia’s Executive Mansion for the holidays. A 12-foot and a 14-foot Fraser Fir tree and several wreaths were delivered by Clouse’s Pine Hill Farm owners, Ron and Roberta Clouse, their son, VCTGA President Ryan Clouse, and granddaughters, Marissa and Rebekah Clouse. Following the presentation, Governor Youngkin presented the Clouse family and the VCTGA with a proclamation naming December as Virginia Christmas Tree Month.
“Thank you to the Clouse family and the Virginia Christmas Tree Growers Association for the beautiful Virginia Grown Christmas trees and wreaths that will decorate the Executive Mansion this holiday season,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin. ” As part of the Commonwealth’s agriculture and forestry industries, Christmas tree farming is an important contributor to Virginia’s economy, and we are proud to display this locally grown greenery.”
“Virginia Christmas tree farmers grow cypress, fir, pine, and spruce, on nearly 10,000 acres in the Commonwealth, for wholesale, retail, and choose-and-cut customers. Visiting a Christmas tree farm provides a great opportunity to contribute to enterprising Virginia businesses and supports local farmers,” said Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Matthew Lohr.
There are more than 480 Christmas tree farms in Virginia and on average they generate around $25 million in sales each year. Grayson, Loudoun, Culpeper, Floyd, and Scott counties are the state’s leading counties in production acreage. The Commonwealth ranks eighth nationally in Christmas tree production.
“Virginia Christmas tree growers help to ensure the sustainability of the state’s Christmas trees, as for every tree harvested, two to three seedlings are planted in its place,” said Joseph Guthrie, Commissioner of the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. “I encourage consumers to keep it real this year and visit a Virginia Christmas tree farm and support local agriculture.”
Search for Virginia Christmas tree growers online at VirginiaGrown.com or at https://virginiachristmastrees.org. Along with choose-and-cut and pre-cut trees, many farms also sell fresh-made wreaths, garlands, holiday greenery, roping, centerpieces and tree stands. Some offer special touches for a memorable family experience such as hot beverages, holiday treats and Christmas shops. Customers should call ahead to confirm availability, hours of operation and any safety requirements.
