2007 PRESS RELEASES

October 15, 2007
VIRGINIA GROWN GUIDE POINTS THE WAY TO LOCAL FALL APPLES, PUMPKINS AND FUN
Contact: Marion Horsley, 804.225.3820

Nothing says fall like fresh Virginia Grown apples and pumpkins.  Delicious to eat and cook with, fun to pick at local farms, both are colorful reminders of the changing season.  Whether you’re planning to carve a jack o’ lantern, make a pie or decorate your mantle, freshness and quality count so follow advice from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS).  Rely on local farmers to provide outstanding produce with prime flavor, color and condition, that is ripe and ready to select or pick yourself.

VDACS has made finding local apples and pumpkins quick and easy with the Virginia Grown Guide to Pick-Your-Own and Select-Your-Own Farm Products.  The Guide is available free to the public in hard copy and online It features 135 listings for locations across the Commonwealth that sell exceptional Virginia Grown products directly to consumers. 

In the printed version, the index lists farms and markets by product categories so you can quickly find where your favorites are sold.  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. 

Let the Guide introduce you and your family and friends to the many unique and special features, activities, festivals, and events planned during the fall for apple and pumpkin farms and markets.  Crafts, hay rides, music and corn mazes are some of the attractions you may find. The Special Comments of each listing will give you details.

In addition to the online version of the Guide, virginiagrown.com features informative listings of farms and markets that offer fresh-picked and pick-your-own apples and pumpkins.

VDACS advises customers to call before traveling to any locations to check on product availability, schedules and activities.

For a free copy of the Guide, write “Virginia Grown Guide,” Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, P. O. Box 1163, Richmond, Virginia  23218, or call 804.371.0446.