Governor Finds Fresh Vermont Trees Rooted in Jeffersonville Farm
Highlights Important Vermont Working Lands Industry
Monday, November 26, 2018 / Jeffersonville, VT - After careful deliberation Monday, Governor Phil Scott chose three Vermont Christmas trees from a Jeffersonville tree farm. The trees will stand in the spirit of the holiday season at the Governor’s home and Montpelier office.
In 1962 the Zajchowski family planted their first balsam fir seedlings, over time growing the land into the choose-and-cut Upper Valley Tree Farm. In a timeless tradition, countless Vermonters continue to pick trees at the Lamoille County farm and many other Vermont tree farm destinations.
“In Vermont, we’re fortunate that ‘buy local’ extends to Christmas trees, so I encourage Vermonters to take advantage and decorate their homes and offices with Vermont-grown trees,” said Governor Phil Scott. “This season, we can not only support Vermont agriculture but celebrate Christmas and our state with a fresh tree.”
According to the latest figures there are more than 70 tree farms in Vermont, with 2000 acres in production. The United States Department of Agriculture says the value of the Christmas Tree industry in Vermont is nearly $3 million dollars. “Nurturing Christmas trees to maturity takes a tremendous amount of shearing, mowing and trimming,” said Agriculture Food and Markets Secretary Anson Tebbetts. “We thank our tree farmers for their care of the land.”
Vermont holiday trees also decorate homes in New York City, Boston and Philadelphia each year, with thousands of Green Mountain trees sold in urban pop-up markets. In addition, visitors to Vermont participate in our holiday tradition by hauling home freshly cut trees. Governor Scott noted, “Just as visitors fill their cars with delicious locally-grown food and Vermont-made products, during the holiday season they top their cars with Vermont-grown trees.”
For a full listing of Christmas Tree Growers open to the public visit the Vermont and New Hampshire Christmas Tree Association. www.nh-vtchristmastree.org.
