​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​The annual local economic impact of agribusiness in Virginia Beach is more than $171 million. This industry is vital to our existence. It provides almost everything we eat, use and wear on a daily basis, and is increasingly contributing to fuel and other bio-products. Locally, farmers are increasingly diversifying — from common crops including soybeans, corn and wheat to pick-your-own strawberries, and even a growing horse population.

The Virginia Beach Department of Agriculture

  • Serves as a liaison to and advocate for the local agricultural community.
  • Operates the City’s farmers market.
  • Partners with the commonwealth’s two land-grant institutions — Virginia Tech and Virginia State​ — to provide educational programs based on research and developed with input from local stakeholders including in Agriculture and Natural Resources, Family and Consumer Sciences, 4-H Youth Development and Community Viability.

Bartley E. Tuthill Memorial Scholarship Program

  • Supports the education of graduating high school seniors or college undergraduates in the City of Virginia Beach who are interested in/or studying technical fields associated with agriculture and/or natural resource conservation and environmental protection.
  • Provides financial assistance to students majoring in a course curriculum related to agriculture and/or environmental sciences.