RICHMOND, Va. — The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) encourages consumers to share a taste of the Commonwealth this Thanksgiving by including Virginia Grown and Virginia’s Finest products in holiday meals. Enjoying Virginia foods and beverages this holiday helps to boost the state’s economy and is a great way to thank Virginia farmers for their hard work.
The Virginia Grown program helps consumers easily recognize locally grown farm products. The blue and red Virginia’s Finest’s checkmark logo identifies top-quality Virginia specialty food and beverage products that meet or exceed manufacturing quality standards.
“I hope you will include a taste of Virginia in your holiday meals as a thank you to our farmers for their hard work. And when you buy local, your dollars stay in the state and local community and helps to keep Virginia’s agricultural industry healthy,” said VDACS Commissioner Jewel Bronaugh. “I wish all Virginians a safe and enjoyable holiday season. Please celebrate responsibly by following physical distancing and gathering guidelines.”
The holiday season is a great time to shop for locally grown turkey or choose from a large selection of Virginia Grown chicken, beef, seafood and pork. Shop VirginiaGrown.com to search for Virginia Grown meat products near you. Consumers can also find delicious, local products at farmers’ markets, farm stands and supermarkets. This time of year, Virginia Grown produce could include fresh-picked apples, late-season vegetables such as winter squash, cabbage, broccoli, hydroponic lettuce, white and sweet potatoes, peanuts, apples and honey. Virginia also has a wide selection of holiday beverages to choose from, such as alcoholic and non-alcoholic ciders, wine, craft beer and distilled spirits.
Go to www.vafinest.com to search a large variety of processed products to include wine and other beverages, sauces, peanuts, hams, jams, meats, baked goods, snacks and more. Consumers should look for the Virginia’s Finest label to ensure they are not only getting local products, but they are getting the very best of the best.
–Michael Wallace, VDACS
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