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.

After 30 successful years in aquaculture at VSU Randolph Farm, with its 57 research and instruction ponds, fish hatchery, greenhouse-based tanks and automated fish processing facility, Virginia Cooperative Extension at Virginia State University is reassessing how best to address the current needs of producers in the growing industry. As one of two land-grant universities in the commonwealth, VSU-VCE advises limited-resource producers about aquaculture opportunities and best practices.

Chris Mullins educates local farmers about hydroponics and aquaponics, and he’s fishing for new ways to help them decide what systems will be cost effective for their operations and what crop and fish combinations grow best together.

“Fish is a holiday favorite in many religions and cultures around Christmas time. It’s not only appetizing, but it’s also very healthy,” said Dr. Brian Nerrie, Cooperative Extension aquaculture specialist at Virginia State University.

While there are many great recipes for cooking tasty fish and seafood dishes, the key ingredient is freshness.