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.

map of Virginia showing the 11 ARECS locations and VAES location in Blacksburg VA

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.