Eastern Shore Agricultural Research and Extension Center

Latest AREC updates

Introducing "The Stalk", an informative newsletter designed to update you on the research, extension, and teaching happenings at the Virginia Tech Eastern Shore AREC. Even though we are masked and social distancing, we are still here to serve you! Please let us know of any content you would like to see in future editions and as always, contact us with any needs to help you further improve your agricultural production. Click here to view the latest issue.

Located in Painter, Virginia, the Eastern Shore Agricultural Research and Extension Center is committed to supporting commercial vegetable and agronomic crop production. The center grows more than 25 agricultural crops annually for research and Extension studies.

New, state-of-the-art applied research that is relevant to local farming operations is essential to ensure the Eastern Shore remains a leader in commercial agriculture production.

DISCIPLINES

• Foodborne illness research and prevention
• Weed management technologies
• Vegetable disease epidemiology
• Soil and nutrient management

INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGIES

• Molecular identification of plant and human pathogens
• Drones to monitor and assess plant health
• Advanced pollinator habitats – struggling help

FACILITIES

• 220-acre farm
• 3 Biosafety Level 2 laboratories
• 7,500 sq. ft. modern equipment building
• Onsite student housing

INDUSTRY PARTNERS

• Commercial tomato producers and packers
• Potato, vegetable, and soybean associations
• Virginia Master Gardeners, DEQ, and environmental programs

Graduate study at the center

Graduate student research at the Eastern Shore AREC impacts stakeholders, growers, and industry on a local, national, and global level. Currently, students are working on eliminating foodborne human pathogens in packinghouses, conversion of chicken litter ash into comparable phosphorus fertilizer sources, and decreasing weed pressure using innovative modes.