The mission of the Virginia Agricultural Experiment Station is to perform basic and applied research on agricultural, environmental, natural, and community resource issues related to the future needs of Virginia, the region, the nation, and the world. Research is designed to provide knowledge that will enhance the quality of individual and family life and the social and economic vigor of Virginia. Researchers utilize the best techniques of qualitative and quantitative research to form the knowledge base for instruction of and application to the broader mission of the land-grant university.   

Apart from serving the needs of Virginia's animal, plant, and seafood industries, VAES-supported research fosters conservation of natural resources and benefits consumers and all citizens of the state in rural, urban, and suburban communities. Discoveries resulting from VAES-supported research have facilitated economic development in the state in the form of start-up companies located in Virginia Tech's Corporate Research Center. In addition, the VAES research programs include numerous activities in the international arena.

VAES supports research faculty in a wide range of disciplines in projects located at Virginia Tech and across the Commonwealth, often in cooperation with Virginia Cooperative Extension, National Institute of Food and Agriculture, Education, and Extension Service, and other state and federal agencies.