Virginia Seafood AREC showcases how aquaculture is agriculture at 2024 Virginia Ag Expo

Attendees visit VSAREC booth. — Virginia Seafood AREC Associate Director Jonathan van Senten and K-12 Outreach and Engagement Coordinator Tiffany Wood speak with attendees at the Virginia Ag Expo.

Agriculture professionals and enthusiasts gathered at the annual Virginia Ag Expo on August 1 to examine the latest trends, technologies, and research in agriculture that will help shape the future of agriculture.

The Virginia Seafood Agricultural Research and Extension Center was among over 100 exhibitors and sponsors who showcased the latest farming technology.

The Virginia Seafood AREC booth offered an array of exhibits, including a "fishing for seafood facts" game, information on the seafood industry's economic impact, and displays of research on alternative feed ingredients and feed trials. Visitors also engaged with a recirculating aquaculture system model and previewed the upcoming consumer education initiative, 'Eat More Fish: The Blue Catfish Edition.'

The VA AG EXPO, a traveling agricultural trade show, is hosted annually by members of the Virginia Grain Producers Association and the Virginia Soybean Association. This year, Virginia Tech's Center for Advanced Innovation in Agriculture co-hosted an exhibition tent, where attendees explored current and emerging technologies designed to enhance agricultural efficiency and economic viability.

To strengthen partnerships and share science-based techniques, Extension specialists from the Virginia Seafood AREC, alongside colleagues from other Virginia Tech and Virginia Cooperative Extension offices, were there to discuss how to put research into practice.

We extend our thanks to all who visited the Virginia Seafood AREC exhibit area alongside the Virginia Tech and Virginia Cooperative Extension. Remember — aquaculture is agriculture!

VA Ag Expo 2024 Event Details: