The mcintire-stennis program at virginia state university (VSU) is advancing forestry and natural resources research through the DEV elopment of the agroforestry research and innovation center (ARIC),…

The Department of Agriculture National Institute of Food and Agriculture awarded Virginia State University $217,698 under the Cooperative Forestry Research program (CFDA 10.202) on October 1, 2025, to establish and operate the Agroforestry Research and Innovation Center (ARIC), a transdisciplinary initiative integrating research, education, and outreach to strengthen the sustainability and profitability of Virginia's forestry systems.

The ARIC delivers innovative science and practical tools across six core domains: agroforestry systems innovation and demonstration, market development and economic resilience, technology and data-driven resource management, environmental stewardship and climate resilience, education and workforce engagement, and policy integration and sustainable land use planning. The initiative operates a demonstration area at Randolph Farm in Petersburg, Virginia, serving as a living laboratory where farmers, landowners, and students explore integrated land-use systems including alley cropping, silvo-pasture, forest farming, and riparian buffer restoration. The demonstration site highlights management practices and technologies that improve productivity, support ecosystem services, and create market pathways for native plants, medicinal crops, non-timber forest products including mushrooms and herbs, and specialty crops.

The award supports VSU research faculty, extension specialists, and staff from the Small Farm Outreach Program. The period of performance runs from October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2027, with place of performance at Petersburg, Virginia.

The mcintire-stennis program at virginia state university (VSU) is advancing forestry and natural resources research through the DEV elopment of the agroforestry research and innovation center (ARIC), a collaborative, transdisciplinary initiative that integrates research, education, and outreach to strengthen the sustainability and profitability of virginia's forestry systems. Supported by research faculty, extension specialists, and staff from the small farm outreach program, the VSU agroforestry team is committed to delivering innovative science, practical tools, and real-world applications that connect forest management with economic opportunity and environmental stewardship. The ARIC is organized around six core domains that guide its research and engagement priorities: 1) agroforestry systems innovation and demonstration, 2) market development and economic resilience, 3) technology and data-driven resource management, 4) environmental stewardship and climate resilience, 5) education, workforce, and community engagement, and 6) policy integration and sustainable land use planning. These domains collectively promote innovation, foster inclusive economic growth, and strengthen the long-term sustainability of forested landscapes and rural livelihoods. A cornerstone of this initiative will be the establishment of a VSU agroforestry demonstration area at randolph farm, serving as a living laboratory where farmers, landowners, and students can explore integrated land-use systems such as alley cropping, silvo-pasture, forest farming, and riparian buffer restoration. This demonstration site will highlight technologies and management practices that improve productivity, support ecosystem services, and create new market pathways for native plants used for medicinal purposes, and non-timber forest products including mushrooms, herbs, and specialty crops. Specific objectives of the mcintire-stennis supported ARIC initiative include: 1. Developing and validating agroforestry models that balance economic return with ecological function. 2. Expanding market access for E merging forest products and ecosystem services that benefit small-scale landowners. 3. Applying advanced technology and data analytics to optimize forest operations and resource management. 4. Quantifying the environmental and economic benefits of agroforestry PR actices in diverse virginia landscapes. 5. Enhancing education and workforce development to prepare the next generation of forestry and natural resource professionals. Through these integrated efforts, the mcintire-stennis program at VSU will catalyze sustainable forest management, expand economic opportunities, and empower virginia's landowners and communities to actively participate in the future of agroforestry and natural resources innovation