Program Information

The definition of an orchard is an intentional planting of trees maintained for food production. Most orchards are comprise of either fruit or nut-producing trees for commercial production. In Virginia, apples are grown in over 250 commercial orchards, totaling more than 18,000 acres of land.

ABCs of Agriculture informs about Virginia's farming community and how it affects you. ABCs of Agriculture are produced by the Virginia Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom (AITC) - an educational program which encourages and enhances agricultural literacy in Grades K-5 and 6-8.

Transcript

Hello, and welcome to the ABC’s of Agriculture! We’re here today to talk about the letter O which stands for Orchard! Today we will be talking about apple orchards in Virginia from Westmoreland Berry Farms apple orchard.

The definition of an orchard is an intentional planting of trees maintained for food production. Most orchards are comprise of either fruit or nut-producing trees for commercial production.

In Virginia, apples are grown in over 250 commercial orchards, totaling more than 18,000 acres of land.

From 1992 to 1997 over 1.8 million new apple trees were planted in Virginia’s orchards. In 2003…. Apple producers harvested enough apples to produce $24.8 million dollars in cash receipts!

So how long will it take apples to grow in a Virginia orchard? On average… apples require at least 3 to 5 months of growth from spring bloom to fall harvest.

Warm days, cool nights and a rich deep soil nurtured by consistent rainfall makes Virginia's climate ideal for growing many apple varieties in our orchards.

Virginia's apple harvest begins the last week in August and extends through early November. Virginia apples are destined for markets in 15 states and more than 20 countries.

Seventy percent of Virginia apples are sold for processing and will be made into popular products … Like…applesauce, apple juice, apple butter, slices and cider.

For the ABC’s of Agriculture, I’m Professor Brad… see you next time!

Virginia Standards