RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — Virginia agriculture officials say the state’s pumpkin growers are reporting an abundant crop this year.
To promote the important crop, Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services says Gov. Terry McAuliffe has proclaimed October as “Virginia Pumpkin Month.”
According to the Virginia Pumpkin Growers’ Association, the state is home to about 200 pumpkin growers with about 3,000 acres of wholesale pumpkins valued at more than $6 million.
Pumpkins are grown across the state, with most of the commercial pumpkin production in southwest Virginia.
Officials say consumers should find plenty of pie pumpkins, squash, gourds, mini pumpkins and other specialty varieties at grocery stores, markets, pick-your-own farms and roadside stands.
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