School of Plant and Environmental Sciences

Our Mission

In the School of Plant and Environmental Sciences we train the next generation of professionals in the fields of plant breeding and genetics, agronomic and horticultural crop production, plant protection, soil and water systems management, agricultural technologies, environmental restoration and agro-environmental stewardship. We conduct research to improve agricultural productivity, reduce negative impacts on the environment and improve soil and water health. Through our extension programs we provide science-based information to our stakeholders to help them feed the world while protecting the environment.

Learn About Our Academic Programs

According to the USDA, between 2015 and 2020, an average of 35,400 new U.S. graduates with expertise in food, agriculture, renewable natural resources, or the environment are expected to fill 61% of the expected 57,900 average annual openings.

NEWS

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College of Agriculture and Life Sciences inspired alumna to become a farmer , article Date: Sep 08
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Twenty years of cultivating leaders and scientists , article Date: Aug 23
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Research to feed growing population underway at the Controlled Environment Agriculture Innovation Center , article Date: Aug 13
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Students use drones to measure soil moisture levels for research project , article Date: Jul 07

Announcements and Upcoming Events

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Newsletters
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Indoor vertical farm headed to Danville, Pittsylvania County , redirect
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Soil carbon management for food, climate, and water – Perspectives from World Food Prize Laureate Dr. Rattan Lal , redirect
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Institute for Advanced Learning and Research and Virginia Tech launch the Controlled Environment Agriculture Innovation Center in Danville , article

Our Vision

Learning

What will you learn?

The School of Plant and Environmental Sciences strives to create a positive and creative learning environment for our students. We have dedicated faculty and staff who provide individual advising and instruction to equip our students for regional and global professions. You can count on world-class academic programs relevant for today and tomorrow, opportunities for involvement and experience, and personal attention in a friendly, welcoming atmosphere.

Learn more about our academics

Research

Discover new solutions

Researchers in the School of Plant and Environmental Sciences integrate computation, biology and technology to solve complex problems affecting crop production and environmental quality. Faculty and students breed new crops with greater nutritional value, develop models for early warning of crop disease outbreaks, discover genes that increase crop resilience, productivity and disease resistance, and restore tropical and temperate ecosystems.

Learn more about our research

Extension

Enhancing yields, improving quality and helping Virginians.

Our extension and outreach programs are designed to deliver pragmatic, science-based information regarding sustainable crop production and responsible land and water use management.

Learn more about extension program