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Agriculture is the number one land use for Accomack County encompassing 57.5% of Accomack County’s total acreage. Farming is crucial to the economy of the County and to the way of life of its residents. Based on the 2022 census:

1.     Poultry and eggs were the dominant commodities, with $148 million in sales.

2.     Aquaculture (including shellfish) contributed significantly, with $43 million in sales.

3.     Corn, soybeans, and wheat were the primary field crops.

4.     Vegetables and melons generated $8.5 million in sales.

5.     Accomack County ranks second in poultry and egg sales amongst other counties statewide.

6.     It also stood out in aquaculture, ranking first in the state for sales.

7.     In terms of field crops, Accomack County was among the top five producing counties in Virginia for corn, soybeans, and wheat.

While grain agriculture dominates, small farms and alternative enterprises are increasing in number. Some of those niche market operations include greenhouses, organic, speciality vegetables and livestock operations. 

Agriculture Extension programs include:

  • Agricultural Information   
  • Soil Testing and Recommendations
  • Business Management and Marketing
  • Nutrient Management
  • Educational Programming
  • Pesticide Certification
  • Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
  • Vegetables, lawns and more

Diagnostic and Laboratory Services

picture of camp circle

4-H is the youth development component of Virginia Cooperative Extension.  

4-H Camps

4-H Enrichment Programs

  • 4-H School Enrichment Programs are offered through the school system.  Teachers utilize 4-H curriculum to enhance the topics they have to teach.  All materials are correlated to the Virginia Standards of Learning.

    Topics Include

  • Electricity
  • Horticulture
  • Forestry/Environmental Education
  • Financial Literacy
  • Citizenship/Character Counts
  • Food and Nutrition

4-H Clubs

A 4-H Club is an organized group of youngsters (ages 9 to 18) with elected officers and a planned program that is conducted throughout the year or the majority of the year.  All clubs are made up of youth members and volunteer leaders.

  • 4-H Community Clubs are formed in neighborhoods.
  • 4-H After-School Clubs meet within the schools in the afternoon
  • 4-H In-School Clubs meet in classrooms during the regular school day.
  • 4-H Project Clubs concentrate on one project area through the club.

4-H Adult Volunteers

Does it excite you to see youth motivated about learning and doing? Do you think it might be fun to help a group of young people learn about your special interest topic or area of expertise? If making a difference in the life of a young person appeals to you, become a 4-H volunteer leader.

4-H provides a variety of educational learning opportunities and experiences for youth 9 through 18 years of age. In addition, Cloverbud 4-H groups are designed for youth 5 through 8 years of age. Leadership, citizenship and life skills are taught through learn-by-doing projects, in local 4-H club programs, at 4-H camps, as well as at county, district, state and national events.

If you are interested in becoming a 4-H club volunteer or adult chaperone at 4-H camp or other events, please contact the Accomack Extension Office by calling 757-787-1361.

Active Clubs

  • Hoofbeats by the Beach

 

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:   

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 Expertsystem. 

Community Viability Specialists