Virginia Archives - Land-Grant Impacts

State/Territory

young child walking in strawberry patch

Land-grant university research and Extension support resilience for youths, families and communities nationwide

Here are a few examples of that work: The effectiveness of the Department of Defense’s Military Family Readiness System depends on well-trained Extension professionals with research-based tools and resources. Extension specialists in Kentucky contributed by providing personal finance training to military service providers so they can pass on knowledge, tools and resources that help military families prevent and navigate financial [...]

Summary, Youth, Family, and Communities 1890, 2026, Alabama, Alabama A&M University, Arkansas, Central State University, Child and Family Resilience, Colorado, Colorado State University, Community Development/Engagement, Cornell University, Economic Development, Ecosystem Services, Emergency/Disaster Preparedness/Management/Recovery, Extension, Food Security, Food Systems, Georgia, Hawaiʻi, Human Nutrition/Health/Wellness, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Louisiana State University, Maine, Michigan, Michigan State University, Missouri, Montana, Montana State University, New York, North Carolina, North Carolina A&T State University, North Central, Northeast, Ohio, Public Health, Purdue University, Research, Rural Communities/Health, Science/Technology/Engineering/Arts/Math (STEAM), South Dakota, South Dakota State University, Southern, Texas, Texas A&M University, The University of Georgia, University of Arkansas, University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, University of Hawaiʻi, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, University of Kentucky, University of Maine, University of Missouri, Urban Agriculture, Utah, Utah State University, Virginia, Virginia Tech, Washington, Washington State University, Waste Management, Water Resilience/Management, West Virginia, West Virginia University, Western, Workforce Development and Readiness, Youth Development/4-H

Healthy foods and exercise equipment.

Land-grant university research and Extension strengthen nutrition, health and well-being

Chronic diseases are the leading cause of illness, disability and death in America. Research and Extension are fighting back. Over half of adults who participated in a Texas diabetes education program now choose healthier foods, monitor glucose levels during exercise, and control their diabetes to avoid interference with daily life. These changes could help participants save up to $94,021 in [...]

Nutrition and Health, Summary 1890, 2026, Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies, Auburn University, California, Central State University, Child and Family Resilience, Colorado, Colorado State University, Community Development/Engagement, Connecticut, Crop Management, District of Columbia, Ecosystem Services, Emergency/Disaster Preparedness/Management/Recovery, Emerging Infectious Diseases, Extension, Fiber Systems, Food Safety, Food Security, Food Systems, Georgia, Guam, Hawaiʻi, Human Nutrition/Health/Wellness, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Iowa State University, Kansas, Kansas State University, Kentucky, Louisiana, Louisiana State University, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Mississippi, Mississippi State University, Missouri, National Security, Nebraska, New Jersey, North Carolina, North Carolina A&T State University, North Central, Northeast, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State University, Oregon, Oregon State University, Organic Agriculture, Pennsylvania, Pest Management, Profitability/Competitiveness, Public Health, Purdue University, Research, Rhode Island, Rural Communities/Health, Rutgers University, Science/Technology/Engineering/Arts/Math (STEAM), South Dakota, South Dakota State University, Southern, Tennessee, Texas, Texas A&M University, The Ohio State University, The Pennsylvania State University, The University of Georgia, University of Arizona, University of Arkansas, University of California, University of Connecticut, University of Guam, University of Hawaiʻi, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, University of Kentucky, University of Maine, University of Maryland, University of Massachusetts Amherst, University of Minnesota, University of Missouri, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, University of Rhode Island, University of Tennessee, University of the District of Columbia, University of Wyoming, Urban Agriculture, Utah, Utah State University, Virginia, Virginia Tech, Washington, Washington State University, West Virginia, West Virginia University, Western, Workforce Development and Readiness, Wyoming, Youth Development/4-H, Zoonotic Diseases/Avian Influenza

Vegetables for sale at a farmers market stand.

Research and Extension ensure everyone has ample access to affordable, safe, nutritious food

Invasive pests damage crops, costing U.S. agriculture an estimated $30 billion every year. Pest management research and Extension stabilize the food supply chain. Researchers and Extension specialists in Oregon, developed cost-effective alternatives to glyphosate for herbicide-resistant Russian thistle control, protecting more than 30,000 acres of wheat and preventing over $1 million in yield losses so far.Oregon State University Extension Service. [...]

Food Security, Summary 1890, 2026, Advanced Breeding/Genomics, Alabama, Animal Health/Management/Performance/Welfare, Arizona, Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies, Auburn University, Central State University, Child and Family Resilience, Colorado, Colorado State University, Community Development/Engagement, Connecticut, Cornell University, Crop Management, Delaware, Economic Development, Emergency/Disaster Preparedness/Management/Recovery, Emerging Infectious Diseases, Extension, Fisheries/Aquaculture, Florida, Food Safety, Food Security, Food Systems, Forest Protection and Management, Georgia, Human Nutrition/Health/Wellness, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Invasive Species, Iowa, Iowa State University, Kansas, Kansas State University, Maryland, Massachusetts, Master Gardener/Master Naturalist, Michigan, Michigan State University, Minnesota, Mississippi, Mississippi State University, Montana, Montana State University, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New Mexico State University, New York, North Carolina, North Carolina State University, North Central, Northeast, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State University, Oregon, Oregon State University, Organic Agriculture, Pennsylvania, Pest Management, Profitability/Competitiveness, Public Health, Puerto Rico, Purdue University, Research, Rhode Island, Rural Communities/Health, Rutgers University, Soil Health, Southern, Specialty Crops, Texas, Texas A&M University, The Ohio State University, The Pennsylvania State University, The University of Georgia, University of Arizona, University of Arkansas, University of California, University of Connecticut, University of Delaware, University of Florida, University of Idaho, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, University of Maryland, University of Massachusetts Amherst, University of Minnesota, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, University of Nevada Reno, University of Puerto Rico, University of Rhode Island, Urban Agriculture, Virginia, Virginia Tech, Washington, Washington State University, West Virginia, West Virginia University, Western, Wildlife, Zoonotic Diseases/Avian Influenza

A drone flies over a field.

Research and Extension make agricultural systems more efficient, profitable, competitive and resilient

Strategies and tools for managing crop pests and diseases have increased productivity and profitability. For example: Extension units across the nation offer plant and pest diagnostic clinics. In New Mexico, free diagnoses saved producers an estimated $36,000 in testing fees in 2025, while also supporting biosecurity and export compliance. In Indiana, lab results and recommendations saved clients $890,000 in reduced [...]

Agricultural Systems, Summary 1890, 2026, Advanced Breeding/Genomics, Alabama, Alaska, Animal Health/Management/Performance/Welfare, Arizona, Arkansas, Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies, Auburn University, California, Clemson University, Community Development/Engagement, Connecticut, Crop Management, Economic Development, Emergency/Disaster Preparedness/Management/Recovery, Emerging Infectious Diseases, Extension, Fisheries/Aquaculture, Florida, Food Security, Food Systems, Georgia, Human Nutrition/Health/Wellness, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Iowa State University, Kansas, Kansas State University, Kentucky, Langston University, Lincoln University, Louisiana, Louisiana State University, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Michigan State University, Minnesota, Mississippi, Mississippi State University, Missouri, Montana, Montana State University, National Security, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New Mexico State University, North Carolina, North Carolina A&T State University, North Carolina State University, North Central, North Dakota, North Dakota State University, Northeast, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State University, Oregon, Oregon State University, Organic Agriculture, Pest Management, Precision Agriculture, Profitability/Competitiveness, Puerto Rico, Purdue University, Research, Rural Communities/Health, Soil Health, South Carolina, South Dakota, South Dakota State University, Southern, Specialty Crops, Tennessee, Texas, Texas A&M University, The University of Georgia, University of Alaska Fairbanks, University of Arizona, University of Arkansas, University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, University of California, University of Connecticut, University of Florida, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, University of Kentucky, University of Maine, University of Maryland, University of Minnesota, University of Missouri, University of Nevada Reno, University of New Hampshire, University of Puerto Rico, University of Tennessee, University of Vermont, Urban Agriculture, Vermont, Virginia, Virginia State University, Virginia Tech, Washington, Washington State University, Water Resilience/Management, Western, Wildlife, Workforce Development and Readiness, Zoonotic Diseases/Avian Influenza

scientists working in the lab

Research at land-grant universities looks to answer complicated disease questions

The basic and applied research that happens in labs at land-grant universities across the country helps to answer questions about the origins of devastating diseases such as ovarian cancer, early-onset Alzheimer’s, kidney fibrosis and Zika virus by diving into disease modeling, gene identification, cancer receptors and cell aging. This research works toward preventions, therapies and perhaps even cures. Here are [...]

Nutrition and Health, Summary 2026, Advanced Breeding/Genomics, Emerging Infectious Diseases, Human Nutrition/Health/Wellness, Illinois, Missouri, North Central, Public Health, Research, Southern, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, University of Missouri, Utah, Utah State University, Virginia, Virginia Tech, Western, Zoonotic Diseases/Avian Influenza

Worker cuts down fallen tree with chainsaw in suburban neighborhood after storm

Disaster response and recovery: partnering in times of local community need

As threats from wildfire and extreme weather increase, producers and communities need information to help prepare and resources to support recovery once impacted. Land-grant universities are responding with tools, resources, communications and staffing support that will strengthen resilience and long-term recovery. Here are a few examples of that work: In response to impacts from Hurricane Helene, Extension in Georgia mobilized to [...]

Agricultural Systems, Summary 2026, Colorado, Colorado State University, Community Development/Engagement, Crop Management, Ecosystem Services, Emergency/Disaster Preparedness/Management/Recovery, Extension, Fiber Systems, Food Systems, Forest Protection and Management, Georgia, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State University, Rural Communities/Health, Soil Health, Southern, The University of Georgia, University of Wyoming, Virginia, Virginia Tech, Water Resilience/Management, Western, Wildlife, Wyoming

crops growing out of dry, cracked soil

Understanding and identifying solutions for weather impacts on agriculture

Drought, severe weather and wildfires can have significant economic impacts on agriculture. Research and educational programming by land-grant universities helps us understand these effects and strengthen resilience. Here are a few examples of that work: Red clover, a commonly used forage crop in the northeastern U.S., increases its phytoestrogen levels under drought conditions, potentially affecting livestock reproductive health. The economic impact [...]

Agricultural Systems, Summary 2025, Alabama, Animal Health/Management/Performance/Welfare, Colorado, Colorado State University, Crop Management, Delaware, Economic Development, Emergency/Disaster Preparedness/Management/Recovery, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Extension, Food Systems, Maryland, Mississippi, Mississippi State University, New Hampshire, North Carolina, North Carolina State University, Northeast, Pest Management, Profitability/Competitiveness, Research, Southern, Specialty Crops, University of Delaware, University of New Hampshire, Virginia, Washington, Washington State University, Western

two scientists look at a tablet

Food industry worker training reduces foodborne illness and enhances workforce development

Foodborne illnesses are a common and costly, yet preventable, public health issue. Training workers in the food industry on food safety issues is critical to public health as well as workforce development. Land-grant universities across the country continue to find innovative and effective methods to train workers on foodborne illness, how to prevent it and how to train other [...]

Nutrition and Health, Summary 2025, Delaware, Economic Development, Extension, Food Safety, Food Systems, Human Nutrition/Health/Wellness, Illinois, Michigan, Michigan State University, North Central, Northeast, Pennsylvania, Research, Southern, The Pennsylvania State University, University of Delaware, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Virginia, Virginia Tech, Workforce Development and Readiness

a group of smiling students

Education opportunities elevate agriculture issues and importance

Reaching youths and students early increases awareness of the importance of agriculture and the critical issues impacting producers. Land-grant universities are creating solutions to address educational gaps, improve understanding critical issues like cyber-biosecurity and provide students with practical knowledge, skills and information for the future. Here are a few examples of that work: Researchers in New Mexico recognized an opportunity for [...]

Agricultural Systems, Summary 2025, Animal Health/Management/Performance/Welfare, Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies, Extension, Fiber Systems, Food Security, Food Systems, New Mexico, New Mexico State University, North Carolina, North Carolina State University, Research, Science/Technology/Engineering/Arts/Math (STEAM), Southern, University of Wyoming, Virginia, Virginia Tech, Waste Management, Western, Workforce Development and Readiness, Wyoming, Youth Development/4-H

clams in an industrial sink

Creating biosecure standards for a growing aquaculture industry

Shellfish harvests contribute more than $1 billion annually to the New Jersey economy. Although wild caught harvests are sustainable, they are maxed out. A viable alternative is shellfish aquaculture, which can provide many environmental benefits, yet the growth of this type of farming relies on the hatchery production of seed or juvenile shellfish. Interstate transfer of seed stock to support [...]

Environmental Stewardship, Story 2025, Ecosystem Services, Fisheries/Aquaculture, Food Safety, Food Security, Food Systems, New Jersey, Northeast, Research, Rutgers University, Virginia

a mosquito on a flower

Reducing mosquito populations through nectar control

Mosquitoes pose a significant public health challenge as vectors of diseases such as Zika, malaria and West Nile virus. At the same time, they contribute to ecosystems as pollinators and as a food source for various species. In urban and suburban environments, managing mosquito populations is crucial for reducing disease transmission while minimizing ecological disruption. A research project at [...]

Nutrition and Health, Story 2025, Ecosystem Services, Emerging Infectious Diseases, Invasive Species, Pest Management, Public Health, Research, Southern, Virginia, Virginia Tech

a student facing stress

Virginia webinar series helps participants balance the stresses of life

When the COVID-19 pandemic struck four years ago, Virginia Cooperative Extension launched a series of webinars to address emerging issues facing its constituents — from financial issues to remote work and schooling to stress management. Organizers planned to offer just a few of these sessions in the spring of 2020. But with audience numbers for the webinars reaching as [...]

Story, Youth, Family, and Communities 2024, Child and Family Resilience, Community Development/Engagement, Extension, Human Nutrition/Health/Wellness, Southern, Virginia, Virginia Tech

forest with wildlife

Forestlands are fundamental for healthy ecosystems

Forests are vulnerable to climate change, but when managed sustainably they can play an important role in mitigating climate change. Healthy trees provide oxygen by removing carbon dioxide from the air through photosynthesis. The carbon is stored in wood, plants and soil, helping to reduce carbon emissions. Land-grant universities are supplying research and outreach to improve our forestlands. Here are [...]

Environmental Stewardship, Summary 2024, Connecticut, Cornell University, Ecosystem Services, Extension, Forest Protection and Management, Kentucky, New York, Northeast, Southern, University of Connecticut, University of Kentucky, University of Vermont, Vermont, Virginia, Virginia Tech

hand holding a potted pepper plant

Researchers develop new snacking pepper cultivars for indoor agriculture

Controlled environment agriculture is growing rapidly in Virginia, using fewer resources and enabling year-round planting in indoor spaces. Crops are grown vertically, with more crops grown on fewer acres. In response, Virginia Tech researchers are partnering in the development of snacking pepper cultivars suitable for growing in controlled agriculture environments. The project explores the potential of indoor agriculture to ensure [...]

Food Security, Story 2024, Advanced Breeding/Genomics, Crop Management, Research, Southern, Urban Agriculture, Virginia, Virginia Tech

crops growing in a field

Creating new, sustainable products from agricultural waste and biomass

Petroleum and other nonrenewable materials are commonly used for plastics, industrial chemicals, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and other products we use on a daily basis. But many of these products can be made from biomass, including food and agricultural wastes. Bioproducts offer a way to improve energy security, food security and national security while also cutting back on fossil fuel-related pollution [...]

Energy and Bioproducts, Summary 1890, 2024, Advanced Breeding/Genomics, Alabama, Animal Health/Management/Performance/Welfare, Arkansas, Auburn University, Biofuels/Bioproducts, California, Clemson University, Fisheries/Aquaculture, Forest Protection and Management, Human Nutrition/Health/Wellness, Illinois, Kentucky, Michigan, Michigan State University, Minnesota, North Central, Northeast, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Research, Soil Health, South Carolina, South Dakota, South Dakota State University, Southern, Texas, Texas A&M University, The Ohio State University, The Pennsylvania State University, University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, University of California, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, University of Kentucky, University of Minnesota, University of Wisconsin, Virginia, Virginia Tech, Washington, Washington State University, Waste Management, Western, Wisconsin

pear growing on a tree

Research develops effective treatments to fight blight in apple, pear crops

Over the past several years, frequent periods of warm and wet weather during the spring in Virginia have triggered epidemics of fire blight causing $22 million per year in losses to apple and pear crops. Researchers led by Virginia Tech are developing new effective treatments utilizing fire blight bacterium Erwinia amylovora in fire blight cankers. Cankers are infected dead zones [...]

Agricultural Systems, Story 2024, Oregon, Oregon State University, Profitability/Competitiveness, Research, Southern, Specialty Crops, Virginia, Virginia Tech, Western

field with rows of crops

Healthy soils sustain food security

Researchers at the nation’s land-grant universities are studying the health of soils to increase agricultural production and decrease the use of agrochemicals used to grow food. Their work will contribute to our ability to meet the world’s growing demand for food. Here are a few examples of that work: Agricultural researchers in Pennsylvania are studying how soil salinity and soil nitrogen [...]

Agricultural Systems, Summary 2024, Connecticut, Cornell University, Crop Management, Extension, Food Security, Georgia, New Mexico, New Mexico State University, New York, North Central, Northeast, Pennsylvania, Research, Soil Health, Southern, The Pennsylvania State University, The University of Georgia, University of Connecticut, University of Wisconsin, Virginia, Virginia Tech, Western, Wisconsin