Driving Smart Agriculture Innovation with New State Grant
Tennessee Department of Agriculture invests in research to protect specialty crops and strengthen farm sustainability
The University of Memphis is advancing the future of agriculture in Tennessee through cutting-edge technology, thanks to new funding from the Tennessee Department of Agriculture’s Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP).
The university received support as part of the state’s $567,424 investment in 11 projects aimed at enhancing the competitiveness of Tennessee’s specialty crops—fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, nursery plants, and other high-value agricultural products.
Researchers at the University of Memphis are pioneering the use of aerial technology to detect fruit orchard diseases early, focusing on farms in West Tennessee. By applying drone imaging and data analytics, the project seeks to identify signs of disease before they spread, giving growers critical time to protect crops and reduce losses.
The University of Memphis project joins other initiatives across the state that are exploring AI-driven precision agriculture, pest management, and agritourism development. Together, these efforts underscore the vital role that Tennessee’s universities play in building a more resilient and innovative agricultural sector.
Funded through the U.S. Department of Agriculture and administered by TDA’s Business Development Division, the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program supports research, marketing, and educational projects that benefit producers and consumers alike.
With this new investment, the University of Memphis continues to expand its leadership in applied research and agricultural innovation, using technology to strengthen communities and support the state’s growing farm economy.
For more information about the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program, visit www.tn.gov/agriculture/businesses/business-development.html