By Scott Waterman - VAAFM Director of Communications
Governor Phil Scott and Agriculture Secretary Anson Tebbetts visited Paine’s Tree Farm in Morrisville to celebrate the arrival of the 2023 Christmas season with the help of Vermont’s tree farmers. The Christmas trees cut during the visit decorated the Governor’s Office in Montpelier.
“As we enter the holiday season, Vermont and its people, including our farmers, offer so many reasons to celebrate,” said Governor Phil Scott. “This is a time of year to take note of the good and unite around the true meaning behind each of the seasons’ traditions: Togetherness, community and hope.”
“We’re excited to be a part of Christmas for many families in Vermont and beyond, and we are thrilled to have Governor Scott and Secretary Tebbetts visit our farm today,” said Tom Paine of Paine’s Christmas Trees. “Vermont’s Christmas Tree farms provide people with a hands-on experience with our state’s working landscape, but also helps preserve that land for our children to share the same quintessential Vermont experiences their grandparents did.” For 60 years, Paine's has been providing choose and cut Fraser Fir trees.
According to the most recent USDA Agriculture Census completed in 2017, there are 3,650 acres of Christmas tree production in Vermont across 70 farms with a crop worth more than $2.6 million. Many more Vermonters bring to market Christmas trees, wreaths, garland, and other decorator items each year.
According to Jim Horst of the NH/VT Christmas Tree Association the impact of Vermont’s tree farms can be felt in many ways. “Many trees are sold to the wholesale market for ultimate resale throughout the region,” Horst said. “Others, though, are sold directly to the consumer, who enjoy the process of visiting the farm and taking part in the “cut your own” experience. This provides a consumer with a guaranteed fresh product and a fun family outing – and it provides the grower with value added sales. While a large portion of sales are still wholesale, the cut your own market is an ever-increasing percentage of the market.”
“Choosing and cutting a Vermont Christmas tree is a holiday tradition. It brings families together in the Green Mountains bringing joy and happiness during this special time of year,” said Secretary Tebbetts. “We are grateful for all the Christmas Tree farmers who work the land and grow such beautiful trees for us to enjoy.”
