Commercial Crops

Christmas trees

Grayson ranks #1 statewide with over $10 million in gross sales. The mid-Atlantic Christmas tree industry is dominated by Fraser fir, which were only native to remote areas of North Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia. One of two predominant family lines of Fraser originates from Mount Rogers. An introduced insect pest from Asia has nearly destroyed the natural firs. A seed orchard exists in Grayson Highlands State Park to protect and preserve, through intensive management, the Mount Rogers line. 

Events/Activities: 

Tobacco

Grayson continues to have tobacco grown with total receipts of $250,000-$500,000 annually. Extension hosts the annual tobacco growers meeting in late February discussing new varieties, production techniques, fertilization strategies and other items of interest. Danny Peek, Burley Tobacco Specialist, works with many local growers from greenhouse to field to curing barn to market.