2008 PRESS RELEASES

March 6, 2008
YOU DON’T HAVE TO LIVE ON A FARM TO CELEBRATE VIRGINIA AGRICULTURE WEEK, MARCH 16 – 22, 2008
Contact: Marion Horsley 804.225.3820

If you think you have to live or work on a farm to celebrate Virginia Agriculture Week, March 16 – 22, think again. Every Virginian can and should get on the bandwagon. You eat here, don’t you? Then you have a reason to join the celebration.

Don’t bother renting a tux or polishing your tiara. Here are some suggestions from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) for fun, easy and inexpensive ways to applaud the contributions of the agriculture industry:

• Prepare a delicious meal using products that have earned the right to be called Virginia’s Finest, a designation which is based on industry standards and approved by VDACS. This is the cream of Virginia’s agricultural crop, with choices ranging from luscious seafood and smoked ham to gourmet desserts and fresh-from-the-fields vegetables and fruits.
• Give flowers to someone special. Horticulture is a big part of the agriculture industry in Virginia, and what says Happy Ag Day better than roses, a plant or a new shrub for the front yard?
• Order a Virginia wine when you go out to dinner during Ag Week, or serve it when you have friends over. With so many Virginia wineries producing premium wines, you can make an excellent selection for any meal or occasion.
• Call or write for your free copy of the 2008 Virginia Grown Guide to Pick-Your-Own and Select-Your-Own Farm Products, which tells you when and where you can find the freshest and best Virginia produce, herbs, plants, honey, meats, seafood and more. Write VG Guide, VDACS, P. O. Box 1163, Richmond, Virginia 23218, e-mail vagrown@vdacs.virginia.gov or see the Guide online.
• Plant some seeds. Because of the work of VDACS’ seed analysts, you know that the seeds you buy are true to variety and will germinate.
• Go horseback riding. The equine industry is an important part of Virginia agriculture, and many stable owners offer lessons on horsemanship and equitation.
• Visit one of Virginia’s many food festivals held throughout the year. The online Virginia Food Festival Directory lists dozens of events. Find out what’s on the menu.
• Check out Ag Week information, agricultural news and a whole lot more by clicking on here and the national Agriculture Day Web site.