Agricultural Research and Extension Centers
Overview of the ARECs
The world-class research and extension experts of the Virginia Agricultural Experiment Station (VAES) are dedicated to developing and implementing research that addresses the growing needs, expectations, and forthcoming challenges and opportunities within society. VAES prioritizes knowledge creation by integrating advanced technological and scientific innovations to create efficiencies and foster sustainable economic growth. We are committed to translating knowledge into practical applications to protect and enhance agricultural and food systems. This approach includes agriculture production, management of natural and environmental resources, and advancements in life sciences.
VAES supports faculty both on campus and off campus at the Agricultural Research and Extension Centers (ARECs). This support spans across three separate colleges at Virginia Tech: the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, the College of Natural Resources and Environment, and the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine. Our dedicated faculty, students, and staff seated at the ARECs, along with faculty based at the main campus, serve Virginia communities with hands-on and experiential learning opportunities by delivering research and Extension programs at these sites.
These centers represent the commonwealth’s diversity and take advantage of the unique characteristics and challenges found in each location. They serve not only as field-research sites and field laboratories for undergraduate and graduate students, but also as program sites for producers, school groups, and the state's citizens.
Latest AREC News & Updates
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Center Spotlights , articleBuilding on regional and commodity-funded research, Frame secured $2.77 million in national funding to improve fertilizer use, conservation practices, and farm profitability.
Date: 06.24.2026 - -
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Virginia Tech earns high marks in Times Higher Education 2026 Sustainability Impact rankings , articleOverall, the university ranked in the 201-300 range out of more than 2,000 universities from more than 100 countries in the 2026 Times Higher Education Sustainability Impact rankings, which assess participating universities against the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals. The rankings compare universities across research, stewardship, outreach, and teaching.
Date: 06.22.2026 - -
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Could your dog help fight the spotted lanternfly? A new study makes the case , articleOrdinary pet dogs outperformed trained human searchers in the first real-world test of community dog-handler teams, finding more than twice as many egg masses.
Date: 06.04.2026 - -
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Center Spotlights , articleGraduate research scholarship helps students tackle global challenges
Date: 04.30.2026 - -
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Alliance to Advance Climate-Smart Agriculture receives extension, expands enrollment , articleThe initiative is funded through 2027 and is expanding enrollment in Arkansas and Virginia. The alliance now includes more than 1,800 farms and 475,000 acres and provides financial incentives and technical support to help producers improve soil health, strengthen water retention, and reduce environmental impacts.
Date: 04.27.2026 - -
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AI-powered imaging could speed detection of microplastics in seafood , articleHyperspectral imaging and artificial intelligence reveal plastic particles on fish surfaces without the need for destructive testing.
Date: 04.20.2026 -
