Clemson University’s statewide network of Public Service Activities (PSA) is the only state agency that conducts research and technology transfer to support SC’s $34B agriculture and forestry industry. Clemson PSA’s four main units have federal and state mandates to deliver specific services to SC citizens.

Clemson’s Experiment Station conducts research to develop relevant, science-based information for agriculture, forestry and natural resources.

Clemson Extension transfers science-based information to commercial growers, livestock producers, land managers, small farmers, and individuals.

Livestock-Poultry Health serves as SC’s animal health authority, USDA meat and poultry inspection program, and state veterinary diagnostic center.

Regulatory Services protects the environment and food crops by ensuring the safe, effective use of fertilizers and pesticides, and the quality of SC-grown seeds and plants.

Develops relevant, research-based knowledge for agriculture, forestry, and natural resources

Researchers have developed non-toxic test coatings that protect marine ship hulls from fouling by oyster and barnacle larvae, which could create a new technology industry for SC.

Peach rootstock trials help SC peach growers increase productivity and profitability when replanting old orchard sites. In 2011 peaches generated $75M in cash receipts.

Intelligent River™ research has developed remote sensing technology that is a national model to provide real-time monitoring of water quality and quantity.

Researchers are working with farmers to develop customized soil herbicide programs to control glyphosate-resistant pigweed in crops at a cost of $34/acre versus $2,000/acre for hand-weeding, cultivation and crop abandonment.

Constructed wetlands, a sustainable water treatment system developed by Clemson scientists, provide an economically feasible alternative for the state’s nursery and greenhouse industry to improve water quality by reducing nitrogen, phosphorus, and temperature.

Anticipating grower demand for watermelon rootstock that resists soil-borne diseases, researchers have developed new grafting methods that reduce transplant grafting cost. SC watermelon production is valued at more than $35M per year.

Transfers science-based information to commercial growers, livestock producers, land managers, small farmers and individuals to improve quality of life

New production techniques shared with growers by Extension agents made it possible for the average farmer to feed 155 people in 2010 vs. 19 people in 1940.

Sustainable forestry programs in one SC county could save landowners $136,000 and earn $326,000 in the future using Clemson longleaf pine management plans.

SC soybean growers can save $22M per year in crop losses by using Clemson guidelines for kudzu bug scouting and spray techniques.

Over the past eight years, peanut production in SC has increased from 8,000 acres to 100,000 acres. Growers can increase sales by $7.5M per year by following Extension recommendations for optimal digging times.

4-H programs reach 64,312 youth and family members per year. 4-H’ers are 1.6 times more likely to attend college and 41% less likely to engage in risky behavior.

ServSafe® training for commercial and institutional food services saves the SC food industry $8M in potential losses by preventing food-borne illnesses.

Ensures the health and safety of livestock/poultry industries and companion animals, and protects the meat supply for S.C. citizens

SC livestock and animal products cannot be sold without disease-free certification by Livestock-Poultry Health. Animal agriculture contributes $6B and 37,253 jobs to the overall SC economy.

The Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory completed 87,121 tests for diseases in livestock, companion animals and wildlife, protecting public health and SC’s food supply.

Meat and Poultry Inspection ensures that SC-produced meat and eggs are safe for consumers. SC poultry exports were valued at $145M in 2009.

More than 1,800 livestock producers have completed Clemson AgWatch training to improve biosecurity practices in SC’s $6B animal agriculture industry.

Protects the environment and the food supply by ensuring the safe, effective use of fertilizers and pesticides and the quality of seeds and plants grown in the state; and mitigates agroterrorism

Regulatory Services collaborates with Clemson Extension to improve the skills and safety of pesticide applicators.

Optimal pesticide applications protect crop yields without harming honeybees that pollinate 130 agricultural plants in the United States.

Regulatory Services has recycled 2.6M pounds of pesticide containers since 1993, protecting the environment and public health.

No plants can be sold by commercial greenhouses, nurseries, dealers, and turf/sod farms without disease/pest-free certification from Regulatory Services.

Recurring Budget Advanced Plant Technology $2M Precision Agriculture $1M Veterinary Diagnostic Center $300,000 Emerging Farmer Initiative $1M Capital Budget Advanced Plant Technology Center $3M Agricultural Research Equipment $5M State budget request FY