Berry Field Day Wrap Up

More than 60 growers, Extension agents, students, and industry professionals gathered at the Hampton Roads Agricultural Research and Extension Center (HRAREC) on June 4 for the annual Berry Field Day. Led by Dr. Jayesh Samtani, Extension Specialist for Small Fruits, the event highlighted current research on strawberries, blackberries, and blueberries.

Attendees toured the berry research plots, learned about ongoing trials focused on cultivar selection, pest and disease management, and sustainable production practices, and heard directly from Virginia Tech researchers and graduate students. Several faculty from the main Virginia Tech campus in Blacksburg and from the Alson H. Smith Jr. AREC in Winchester joined the event to share updates and support collaborative learning.

In addition to presentations, participants enjoyed tastings of fresh strawberries and blackberries grown at the station, as well as samples of blackberry kombucha, adding a flavorful touch to the day’s insights.

“This event provides a great opportunity for growers to engage directly with researchers and see the practical applications of our work,” said Dr. Samtani.

Berry Field Day continues to grow in popularity, serving as a valuable resource for those invested in Virginia’s small fruit industry.