DATE:    10/8/98
CONTACT: Elwyn Deal, (864) 656-3384
WRITER:  Bill Baker, (864) 656-3875

Expanded Clemson Exhibit Planned
For Sunbelt Agricultural Expo

     CLEMSON -- An interactive computer area, hands-on displays
and a wide range of exhibits with a "value-added" theme will be
included in this year's Clemson University exhibit at the Sunbelt
Agricultural Exposition in Moultrie, Ga.
     This will be Clemson's largest-ever exhibit at the Sunbelt
Expo, scheduled for Oct. 20-22 at Spence Field. The Expo
attracted more than 1,100 exhibitors and 200,000 visitors last
year, making it the largest farm show in North America. In
addition to its main exhibit, Clemson will also be represented in
the Land Grant University Spotlight Tent, along with about a
dozen other Land Grant Universities.
     "Clemson University is committed to agricultural
productivity and profitability through our land grant mission. We
are greatly appreciative of the opportunity to participate in the
largest farm show in the country," said John Kelly, Clemson's
vice president for public service and agriculture.
     "Thousands of South Carolinians visit Sunbelt Expo every
year, a testament to the educational opportunity it offers anyone
who has an association with agriculture and natural resources,"
said Elwyn Deal, who chaired Clemson's Sunbelt project this year.
Deal recently retired as Clemson Extension's assistant director
for agriculture and natural resources.
     "Clemson is very excited about what Sunbelt is doing to
spotlight new discoveries and educational programs at Land Grant
Universities in the Southern Region," Deal said. "New discoveries
and educational programs help protect the region's natural
resources and environment."
     The main Clemson exhibit will be housed in a 36-foot by
45-foot building in Area B-5, beside the Kelly Manufacturing Co.
site. Clemson personnel will be on hand throughout the three-day
Expo to discuss topics related to the exhibit and answer
questions.
     The exhibit will include displays illustrating the
value-added concept in a number of areas including fruit,
vegetable and crop food processing and packing; nutrition and
food safety; turfgrass and ornamentals; and animal agriculture.
Also on the Clemson main exhibit site, the Clemson Extension
Agents Association will be selling American Classic Tea, which is
produced in Charleston.
     In the Land Grant University Spotlight Tent, located about
100 feet from the main Clemson exhibit, Clemson will join with
other Land Grant schools in displaying research activities.
Clemson's display in the spotlight tent will focus on its
National Genome Center and its work involving the genetic mapping
of crop plants.    
     In addition, the 1998 Lancaster/Sunbelt Farmer of the Year
for South Carolina, Jerry Edge of Conway, will be competing for
the title of Southeastern Farmer of the Year. Drew joins seven
other outstanding southeastern farmers chosen to represent their
home states. The Southeastern winner will be announced on Oct. 20
during the Willie B. Withers Luncheon.
                               END