Virginia Tech® home

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.

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.

VAES Latest News & Updates

  • Video Item
    Is the Future of the Greenhouse Industry Red?
    Is the Future of the Greenhouse Industry Red? , video

    Virginia Tech researchers are testing red plastic in greenhouses in hopes to boost yields and reduce the time and takes to produce a sellable crop.

    Date: Jul 16, 2025 -
  • Article Item
    A dog sniffs the underside of a picnic table, as a man looks on, holding the dog's leash.
    Man’s best friend could be the spotted lanternfly’s worst enemy , article

    Virginia Tech researchers found that everyday dog-handler teams can effectively detect spotted lanternfly egg masses, offering a community-driven tool to fight invasive agricultural pests.

    Date: Jul 16, 2025 -
  • Video Item
    Virginia Tech student creates opportunity for expanding domestic edamame production
    Virginia Tech student creates opportunity for expanding domestic edamame production , video

    Through innovative research in integrated weed management, a Virginia Tech student is helping pave the way for U.S. farmers to grow edamame on a larger scale. By testing cover crop combinations, termination timings, and edamame cultivars, the project addresses one of the biggest production challenges—weed control—while reducing reliance on herbicides. The findings aim to provide farmers with sustainable tools to meet growing consumer demand for this high-value crop.

    Date: Jun 04, 2025 -

Page 1 of 159 | 477 Results

Mary Burrows

Associate Dean for Research, Director of VAES

Subscribe to our Research Newsletter