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Virginia Agricultural Experiment Station

Virginia Agricultural Experiment Station (VAES)

As the 1862 land grant university of Virginia, VAES expands on the Hatch Act of 1887's mission 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.

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The Virginia Agricultural Experiment Station (VAES) is the scientific research center of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Virginia Tech, encompassing various academic departments both on and off-campus, including the Agricultural Research and Extension Centers (ARECs). With over 350 scientists from the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, College of Natural Resources and Environment, and Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, VAES collaborates with the Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE) as part of Virginia’s Agency 229.

VAES, in partnership with the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), focuses on innovation in agriculture, food, and health through basic and applied research. This research aims to improve the quality of life for individuals and families and strengthen Virginia's social and economic health. By employing advanced qualitative and quantitative methods, VAES research supports Virginia’s animal, plant, and seafood industries, promotes natural resource conservation, and benefits consumers statewide.

About Our ARECs
An infographic showing the locations of the 11 Agricultural Research and Extension Centers (ARECs) on a map of Virginia. The graphic features the logos of the Virginia Agricultural Experiment Station and the Virginia Tech College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. The ARECs shown around the state are Middleburg AREC in Middleburg, VA, Eastern Virginia AREC in Warsaw, VA, Eastern Shor AREC in Painter, VA, Virginia Seafood AREC in Hampton, VA, Hampton Roads AREC in Virginia Beach, VA, Tidewater AREC in Suffolk, VA, Southern Piedmont AREC in Blackstone, VA, Reynolds Homestead Forest Resources Research Center in Critz, VA, Southwest Virginia AREC in Glade Spring, VA, Shenandoah Valley AREC in Steeles Tavern, VA, and Alson H. Smith Jr. AREC in Winchester, VA. The map also shows the locations of Blacksburg, VA and Richmond, VA.
AREC Field Day and Events Calendar
Helpful Tools and Grower Resources

VAES Latest News & Updates

Learn About Hatch/Capacity Funding

Mary Burrows

Associate Dean for Research, Director of VAES

Meet the VAES Team