Horticulture

Seeking to meet the needs of commercial growers and homeowners, our diverse horticultural programming focuses on beginning farmer training, commercial vegetable and small fruit production, food safety using Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), private and commercial pesticide applicator use and safety, and training and public outreach to homeowners through the Central Shenandoah Valley Master Gardeners Program.

For more information about these horticultural programs, please contact Jason Cooper at jbcooper@vt.edu or 540-564-3080.

Commercial Horticultural Production

Horticultural production in the Shenandoah Valley continues to experience marked growth in both direct market (farmers markets, CSAs) and wholesale arenas (i.e. Shenandoah Valley Produce Auction, Local Food Hub, etc.).  Given this growing demand, our training addresses various needs related to different types of production systems, season extension, harvest/post-harvest handling, and marketing strategies.

Commercial Horticulture Information

• Vegetables
• Fruit
• Speciality
• Season Extension
• Marketing
• General Integrated Pest Management