Eastern Shore Agricultural Research and Extension Center
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.