School of Plant and Environmental Sciences

Welcome to SPES!

The Virginia Tech School of Plant and Environmental Sciences (SPES) prepares future professionals in agriculture and environmental stewardship, conducts research to enhance productivity and sustainability, and delivers science-based solutions through Extension programs to support global food production and environmental protection.

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Employment of agricultural and food scientists is projected to grow 8% from 2023 to 2033, faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is driven by the need to increase the efficiency and sustainability of agricultural production to meet the demands of a growing population.

Learning

What you will 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.

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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.

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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.

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