Local Programs
Virginia's agricultural industry generates approximately 11 percent of Gross State Product and contributes to 10 percent of state employment. Timely and pertinent Extension educational programs in agriculture and natural resources are delivered through a network of 108 county and city offices located throughout the Commonwealth. These educational programs are a product of research generated at Virginia Tech, Virginia State University, 11 Agricultural Research and Extension Centers, and from leading research institutions around the world. Extension Agents conduct educational programs that help sustain profitability of agricultural and forestry production while protecting and enhancing land and water resources. Programming efforts address a broad range of problems from traditional agricultural management and production issues in livestock and crops to farm business management, soil and water conservation, land and water quality, the safe use of pesticides, forestry and wildlife, and commercial and consumer horticulture.
Pesticide Safety Training
- Soil Testing and Fertilization Recommendations
- Insect, Disease, and Weed Identification and Control Measures
- Pesticide Residue Testing
- Forage Testing
- Plant and Feed Toxicology Testing
- Pre-Sidedress Nitrate Soil Test for Corn
- Manure Testing
Commercial Horticulture
Virginia produces 1,800 acres of peaches, 19,000 acres of apples and 1,400 acres of grapes. Fruit is utilized by two large fruit processors and more than 50 wineries. Strawberries and bramble fruits are produced on a few hundred acres for direct marketing, with annually increasing acreage as the state urbanizes. Nursery/greenhouse crops are Virginia's largest horticultural industry, with farm cash receipts totaling over $146 million on more than 1,500 wholesale operations. In addition, many growers produce for direct market. Over 1,200 growers produce 40,000 acres of vegetables annually, with farm cash receipts totaling $100 million. Commercial horticultural producers must control costs while maintaining yield and quality using production practices that protect the environment and ensure food safety. Producers must implement management and marketing strategies that are sustainable and increase profit. Educational strategies include grower schools, regional conferences, demonstrations, tours, electronically transmitted newsletters, electronic, telephone and on-site advisories, workshops and production guides.
Gateway Beekeepers
Pesticide Training
VCE presents classes to prepare pesticide applicators for the certification exam. If you would like to order the manuals and study for the test on your own, the link at right is directly to the training manual order form. Electronic testing is available through DMV service centers.
There are 2 areas of certification: Becoming a Licensed Pesticide Applicator or becoming a Registered Technician. The link at right is to the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) web site. If you are taking the Certification Exam for the first time, please use Application A. If you are re-taking the exam or adding a Category to your license, use Application B. Registered Technicians work under a licensed applicator and are eligible to become licensed applicators after one year.
The family unit is the cornerstone of a healthy community. Family and Consumer Sciences programs provide families with research-based knowledge designed to improve wellness through positive changes. There are many aspects of overall wellness including food and nutrition, personal finance, and parenting and human development at all ages. Through a holistic approach, Family and Consumer Science (FCS) Extension agents, program assistants, and trained Master Volunteers provide education that ensures Virginia families have every piece of the puzzle to be healthy and whole.
A Vision for a Stronger Commonwealth
Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) programming is driven by the needs of the community--identified by county residents. Our FCS Extension Educators work closely with families--in their community, workplace and home--and with the professionals that serve them.
Pegi Wright is the FCS Extension Agent in Caroline and King George counties. To learn more, click on the links below or contact (540) 775-3062 / (804) 633-6550 or lvwright@vt.edu.
"There is no doubt that it is around the family and the home that all the greatest virtues, the most dominating virtues of human society, are created, strengthened and maintained." Winston Churchill
4-H is the Youth Development arm of Virginia Cooperative Extension. There are programs for youth ages 5-19 years. The main areas of 4-H are 4-H Camp, 4-H Congress, 4-H Clubs and School Enrichment.
4-H Camp is held for 5 days and 4 nights each summer at the Northern Virginia 4-H Center in Front Royal, VA. King George youth camp with youth from Caroline and Spotsylvania counties. Youth participate in a variety of activities, including ropes courses, swimming, canoeing, arts and crafts, fishing, archery and riflery. At camp, ages 9-13 are campers, age 13 has the option of intermediate camp, age 14 are Counselors-In-Training (CIT), and age 15 and older are Counselors. We also take a handful of adult volunteers who provide support for the teens and teach a variety of classes. Counselor/CIT registrations are released in December, with interviews occurring in January and monthly trainings scheduled to prepare for camp.
4-H Clubs are active throughout the year, and youth meet regularly to learn about a specific project area. King George has a number of active project clubs listed in the brochure and schedule in the right sidebar. For more information or to clarify meeting dates and locations, contact the club leader listed in the publications.
4-H Congress is for youth ages 14-19 and is held at Virginia Tech each June. King George youth have been active in the State 4-H Cabinet for several years. In addition to 4-H State Cabinet elections, Congress Youth Delegates participate in competitions such as Share the Fun (a talent show) and Presentations. There are also educational programs, group sports competitions and 4-H All Star tapping.
These first 2 forms can be saved on your computer and filled out.
4-H Youth Member Enrollment (Long form)
4-H Health History Report Form
These 2 forms only need signatures and dates.
Virginia 4-H Standardized Code of Conduct For 4-H Programs/Events
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Equine Release, Waiver, and Indemnification Statement (horse clubs only)
If you prefer to register electronically, use the download below to learn how to use our online enrollment system. Re-enrollment is much simpler through the online system, as your information is there and only needs to be updated after October 1st each year.
Adult volunteers! Complete the 4-H Volunteer Application/Enrollment - Long Form VA-114 form.
Engaging with Communities
Virginia Cooperative Extension specialists in community viability work with Extension agents, campus-based faculty, organizational partners, communities, and individuals to further opportunity and build capacity in five program areas:
- Leadership & Planning
- Community Enterprise and Resiliency
- Community Food System and Enterprises
- Community Planning
- Emerging Community Issues
Examples of our work include training county elected officials, educating entrepreneurs, facilitating collaborative projects, supporting the growth of community food systems and local economies, enhancing agent skills and community capacity in facilitation and leadership, conducting problem-driven research, and creating publications and tools that address critical community needs.
Do you have a question about Community Viability?
Perhaps one of the Community Viability specialists below can help you. Contact a Community Viability specialist or direct a question to them using our Ask an Expert system.