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.

Virginia State University (VSU) collaborates with a wide range of external organizations, including businesses, state agencies, and community groups. However, its most foundational partnership is with Virginia Tech through Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE), established in 1914. As part of a state-mandated collaboration, VSU and VT combine their expertise and resources to support the wellbeing of Virginians across the Commonwealth.