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.

At VSU, the Dietetic Internship Program integrates teaching, research and Cooperative Extension to give students a well-rounded understanding of the food production process, as well as nutrition education and how to address food insecurity in low-income communities.

In Virginia, 10,862 Virginia farmers earned less than $1,000 from their farm operation (USDA, 2017). Conversely, USDA (2018) reported that Virginia producers sold nearly $1.3 million in value added products, which were sold directly to customers through farm stands, farmers markets, Community Supported Agriculture and online sales.