RICHMOND — Gov. Ralph Northam and first lady Pamela Northam were recently presented with three Christmas trees and six wreaths by the Virginia Christmas Tree Growers Association (VCTGA).
The Christmas trees from Claybrooke Farm, in Mineral, and the wreaths from Mountain View Farm, in Edinburgh, will decorate Virginia’s Executive Mansion for the holidays. Following the presentation, Northam presented the VCTGA with a proclamation proclaiming December as Virginia Christmas Tree Month. Virginia Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Bettina Ring, Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner Brad Copenhaver, family, and members of the VCTGA attended the presentation.
“These Virginia-grown Christmas trees and wreaths will highlight the Executive Mansion’s holiday décor this season. Virginia farmers grow the most beautiful and fragrant pines, firs, cypresses, and spruces,” said Ring. “We thank the Carroll Family of Claybrooke Farm and the Rhoades Family of Mountain View Farm for these beautiful trees and wreaths, and the Virginia Christmas Tree Growers Association for all they do to assist our farmers and growers.”
Christmas trees are an important sector of Virginia’s agriculture and forestry industries as there are nearly 500 Christmas tree farms throughout the commonwealth. Virginia is the seventh leading U.S. state in terms of total Christmas trees harvested, sixth in total tree acreage in production, and 12th in the number of operations with Christmas tree sales.
“Christmas trees are a strong contributor to Virginia’s agricultural economy with annual sales around $10 million,” said Copenhaver. “I have fond family memories of visiting a tree farm each year to cut our Christmas tree. I encourage all Virginians to make their own holiday traditions by supporting Virginia businesses and visiting a Christmas tree farm.”
Search for Virginia Christmas tree growers online at VirginiaGrown.com and on the Virginia Christmas Tree Growers Association’s website at 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. Consumers should call ahead to confirm availability, hours of operation, and any safety requirements.
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