Scientists and students in Clemson University’s College of Agriculture, Forestry and Life Sciences conduct transformative research in areas including animal production, plant science, food safety and packaging science, global food security, climate change mitigation, community development, natural resources conservation and sustainable energy production.
CAFLS researchers work to find solutions to the world’s most intractable challenges: How do we safely and sustainably feed a growing global population? How do we conserve the world’s natural resources for future generations? How do we help South Carolinians live healthy, prosperous lives and support the vibrancy of the state’s agricultural and natural resources economies?
CAFLS professors conduct their research in campus laboratories and facilities, and at our six Research and Education Centers (RECs) strategically located throughout the state according to the state's distinct soil and climate regions. Collectively these RECs are known as the Clemson Experiment Station and are part of a nationwide system of scientists working to improve the quality of life for people in their home state, nation, and the world.
Experiment Station: Research & Education Centers
- BARUCH INSTITUTE OF COASTAL ECOLOGY AND FOREST SCIENCE
Clemson scientists at the Baruch Institute of Coastal Ecology and Forest Science have studied the coastal environment for over 50 years, including the environmental impact of changing land-use patterns, coastal natural resource conservation, forestry, water quality and watershed management.
The research provides information to help public policy decision-makers manage growth issues so the state’s coastal environment can be preserved for future generations. The 16,000-acre Hobcaw Barony offers research opportunities for faculty and students in an ecological reserve of forests, high-salinity marsh estuaries, and brackish and freshwater marshes.
- COASTAL RESEARCH & EDUCATION CENTER
The Coastal Research and Education Center conducts applied research, education and public service programs on vegetable and specialty crops. The center includes 325 acres in addition to laboratories in the Department of Agriculture U.S. Vegetable Laboratory building.
Its research focus is developing sustainable, efficient and economical vegetable production and conventional and organic pest management. The center offers instruction and research experience to graduate students and opportunities for collaboration with scientists.
- EDISTO RESEARCH & EDUCATION CENTER
Clemson University’s Edisto Research and Education Center is home to a team of scientists who work to help solve problems facing the South Carolina farmer, particularly the farmer in the Coastal Plain.
The Edisto REC is a leader in developing precision agriculture technologies that make farming more efficient. Scientists in Edisto REC’s sensor laboratory are building technology that can detect disease, pest, heat and drought stress, and communicate that data to drones in real time.
- PEE DEE RESEARCH & EDUCATION CENTER
The mission of the Clemson University Pee Dee Research and Education Center is to foster economic stability and development by conducting research and education programs focused on traditional and new plant-based systems appropriate to the Pee Dee region of South Carolina.
The 2,300-acre Pee Dee REC and John B. Pitner Center is situated in Florence and Darlington counties. The Pitner Center’s high-tech labs help scientists identify favorable genetic markers in plants without having to wait for plants to reach maturity, which accelerates the plant breeding process dramatically.
- SANDHILL RESEARCH & EDUCATION CENTER
The Sandhill Research and Education Center was established in 1926 for agricultural research in the primarily rural Columbia area. As the Columbia community has grown, the focus of the REC has evolved to meet the changing needs of the state.
Home to Clemson Extension’s Agribusiness Program Team, Sandhill REC supports programmatic expertise in farm risk management, marketing, ag policy, local food systems development, small business planning and agritourism, and delivers an array of educational programs and tools that support and expand the state’s agribusiness industry.
- SIMPSON RESEARCH & EDUCATION CENTER
The Simpson Research and Education Center consists of the research farms located on and around Clemson University’s main campus, including: Calhoun Fields, LeMaster Dairy Cattle Center, Morgan Poultry Center, Musser Fruit Farm, Simpson Beef Cattle Farm and the Starkey Swine Center.
Its mission is to support agriculture research, teaching and public services of Clemson University in an efficient and effective manner while maximizing available resources. Each of the farms within the Simpson REC holds workshops and field days related to research done on each corresponding farm.