Clemson AgriData receives $2.8M USDA grant to develop precision agriculture data platform for Southeast peach and pecan growers.
Clemson AgriData has been awarded a $2.8 million grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to develop an advanced precision agriculture data platform designed specifically for Southeast peach and pecan growers.
The three-year initiative will create an integrated software solution that aggregates weather data, soil conditions, pest monitoring and harvest analytics into a single, user-friendly interface. The platform will enable growers across South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama and surrounding states to make data-driven decisions that optimize yields while reducing input costs and environmental impact.
"This investment reflects USDA's commitment to helping specialty crop farmers compete in an increasingly complex marketplace," said Dr. James Patterson, chief executive officer of Clemson AgriData. "Our platform will translate cutting-edge agricultural science into practical tools that directly benefit family farming operations. We're building technology for the farmers who feed our region."
The grant, administered through USDA's Specialty Crop Program, will support the development of mobile and web applications, integration with existing farm equipment and sensors, and comprehensive training for approximately 2,000 growers across the Southeast. The project includes partnerships with Clemson University's Department of Agricultural Sciences and regional agricultural extension offices.
Initial platform features will include real-time disease prediction models, precision irrigation recommendations and market price forecasting. Beta testing begins in fall 2024, with full commercial availability targeted for early 2025.
**About Clemson AgriData**
Clemson AgriData is a technology company headquartered in Clemson, South Carolina, focused on developing digital solutions for specialty crop agriculture. The company combines agronomic expertise with software innovation to address regional farming challenges.