Research needs assessment guides future agricultural research initiatives. 

To understand what stakeholders want and need, the Virginia Agricultural Experiment Station (VAES) kicked off an agricultural research Needs Assessment in Summer 2024. Stakeholders across the Commonwealth were asked what issues most impact their day-to-day lives. Their responses are being used to align resources and direct future agricultural research – keeping it relevant to the specific needs of Virginians.

An initial analysis shows that the 251 stakeholders want to see continued research on crops, the environment, economics, livestock, and pest management. More feedback is still needed to paint a comprehensive picture of needs.

The Needs Assessment Survey remains open so faculty, students, industry partners, and other stakeholders (psst...that’s you!) can take the 10 minute survey and help lock onto issues that truly matter, sticking with the CALS mission to advance agricultural science while keeping research projects ultra-useful for you. Physical copies will be available at field days if you prefer to answer on paper.

(Earlier story: https://news.vt.edu/articles/2024/02/cals-research-survey.html)