Sweet potatoes are a popular food across the United States and the world. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) reports that American consumption of sweet potatoes has almost doubled since the late 1990s, and the U.S.' annual value of sweet potato exports grew from $14 million to $187 million between 2001 and 2021. Sweet potatoes are packed with nutrients and fiber and have an established place in cultural and traditional dishes, healthy lifestyles and a variety of diets. This flexible, resilient crop has low input requirements and can grow in sandy soils and small spaces, as long as it receives plenty of sunlight. While neighboring state North Carolina is the leading producer for the United States' massive sweet potato market, Virginia producers have an opportunity to meet growing local demand. As the sweet potato industry in Virginia evolves, Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE) at Virginia State University (VSU) works to put knowledge into action to help commercial, small-scale and backyard growers learn to produce, manage and market sweet potatoes.

For 123 years, 4-H has helped America’s youth grow and learn through hands-on experiences. As one of the most well-known Extension programs, 4-H brings the bold purpose to “empower young people with the skills to become confident, responsible and engaged citizens…all guided by the principles of ‘Head, Heart, Hands and Health.’” 4-H helps foster positive youth development and can leave a lasting impact on participants. Recent Virginia State University (VSU) graduate Ms. Desmyn Owens learned she could impact her community and has carried her 4-H experiences into her career. Earlier this summer, she was hired as the 4-H Extension agent for Virginia Beach, Virginia, where she is using her knowledge and leadership skills to impact the next generations of 4-H youth.

On Tuesday, March 18, Virginia State University’s College of Agriculture (COA) hosted its 3rd annual AgFest to celebrate National Ag Day’s theme of “Together We Grow.” Community members, vendors and VSU students, faculty and staff came together to showcase agriculture’s integrated connections. “AgFest is a powerful reminder of how agriculture connects us all—across generations, communities and industries,” said Erica Shambley, director of marketing and communications for COA. “This year’s turnout truly embodied the spirit of ‘Together We Grow,’ as students, educators, farmers and community members came together to celebrate the important role agriculture plays in our everyday lives.” This year’s celebration was also the largest, with almost 400 visitors who registered in advance including over 100 K-12 students, plus many more who joined the event day-of.