2008 PRESS RELEASES
March 14, 2008
NEW VIRGINIA GROWN GUIDE LISTS 170 VENUES FOR PICK-YOUR-OWN, SELECT-YOUR-OWN FARM PRODUCTS
Contact:
Marion Horsley, 804.225.3820
Going green? Looking for local? Demanding delicious? Let the 2008 Virginia Grown Guide to Pick-Your-Own and Select-Your-Own Farm Products help you find nearby sources for exceptional Virginia-produced fruits, vegetables, herbs, flowers, plants, honey, meats, poultry, eggs, fish, seafood and fiber products. The new 2008 Guide boasts a 20 percent increase in listings to 170 locations across the Commonwealth that sell directly to consumers. Published by the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, it is available free to the public in a printed version and online.
The Guide makes it simple to find what’s available at local farms, farmers markets, orchards, produce stands, nurseries and pick-your-own operations. Sellers are listed by county or city and each listing includes product details, directions, hours and contacts, plus e-mail and Web addresses if available. A Special Comments section adds information about unique and special features, activities, festivals, tours, lectures and other events and attractions planned for each location.
An availability chart indicates approximate dates when produce will be ready for picking or purchase although it’s always best to call ahead to ensure product availability. A map showing Virginia counties is included to help determine the location of the most convenient farms and markets.
In the printed version, the index lists farms and markets by product categories so you can quickly find where your favorites are sold. The index also has a separate list of the farmers markets across the state as well as lists of farms that offer special features such as wine, flowers and plants, organic and natural products, group or school tours, vacations and educational programs.
For a free copy of the Guide, or for information about listing your farm in the Guide, write “Virginia Grown Guide,” Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, P. O. Box 1163, Richmond, Virginia 23218, call 804.786.3530 or e-mail vagrown@vdacs.virginia.gov. You may also submit information about your farm for the online Guide to webmaster@vdacs.virginia.gov. Click here to view information in the Guide.