Virginia Cider Week

HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 105 Offered January 11, 2012 Prefiled January 11, 2012 Designating the full week before Thanksgiving, in 2012 and in each succeeding year, as Virginia Cider Week in Virginia.
---------- Patrons-- Englin and Scott, E.T. ---------- Referred to Committee on Rules ----------

• WHEREAS, since Colonial times, cider has played an important role in the cultural and culinary heritage of the Commonwealth and nation; and
• WHEREAS, early settlers planted orchards and fermented the juice from the apples, yielding a beverage that provided essential vitamins and nutrients during lean winters, while vinegar, made from the cider, was used for antiseptic and medicinal purposes; and
• WHEREAS, Thomas Jefferson, at his beloved Monticello in Virginia’s beautiful Piedmont region, planted two orchards specifically for cider production, sharing the hearty beverage with his family and many guests; and
• WHEREAS, as settlers planted seedling orchards, they developed new varieties of apples that were particularly well suited to the climate and soils of the new land, many of which continue to be grown today; and
• WHEREAS, over time, as the nation shifted from an agrarian to industrial society, and with the advent of Prohibition, the number of orchards producing apples for cider and cider production diminished; and
• WHEREAS, over the past several years, cider production has experienced a resurgence, with five hard cider producers currently operating in the Commonwealth and more expected to open in 2012; and
• WHEREAS, the cider industry enhances the preservation of agricultural lands, contributes to the Commonwealth’s agricultural industry, provides additional opportunities for agritourism, and encourages individuals to enjoy a traditional Virginia beverage; and
• WHEREAS, Virginia cider serves as an excellent complement to many cuisines, especially those traditional dishes commonly enjoyed during the holiday season; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly designate the full week before Thanksgiving, in 2012 and in each succeeding year, as Virginia Cider Week in Virginia; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates post the designation of this week on the General Assembly’s website.