Construction is now underway on the Agriculture Technology Campus (ATC) in South Carolina, a project that aims to revolutionize food production in the Eastern U.S. The high-tech hub, located at a 1,000-acre site in Early Branch, will feature hydroponic greenhouses and processing facilities designed to produce locally grown, organic tomatoes with 90% greater water efficiency than traditional farming methods. This initiative, first announced in September 2020, has garnered significant attention and is now becoming a reality thanks to a strategic partnership between Phoenix Lender Services and Optus Bank of South Carolina.
The ATC is not just another agricultural project; it represents a significant shift in how food can be produced more sustainably and efficiently. By leveraging hydroponic technology, the campus will drastically reduce water usage and eliminate the need for pesticides, addressing critical environmental concerns. Moreover, the project aims to reduce the region’s dependence on vegetable imports from Mexico, California, and Canada, thereby reshaping the food supply chain and enhancing food security in the Eastern U.S.
The economic implications of the ATC are substantial. The project is expected to bring $350 million in private capital investment to rural Hampton County and create over 1,000 direct jobs. This influx of investment and employment opportunities will have a profound impact on the local economy, providing a much-needed boost to the region.
The project is backed by a complex capital stack of loans from the USDA, including Business & Industry and Food Supply Chain loans. The successful structuring of a total USDA loan capital stack of $46,157,187 underscores the federal government’s commitment to supporting innovative agricultural initiatives. This financial backing has been crucial in turning the ATC from a vision into a tangible reality.
Zeb Portanova, CEO of Agricultural Scientific, emphasized the broader implications of the project: “This isn’t just about growing vegetables—it’s about reshaping the future of agriculture and re-shoring our critical U.S. supply chain. By producing fresh, high-quality produce closer to consumers, we can reduce food miles, cut emissions, and limit our reliance on foreign countries.”
The ATC has also received strong support from local and regional leaders. Dr. Roy Hollingsworth, Chairman of Hampton County Council, expressed enthusiasm for the project’s potential to improve the quality of life in the county. Similarly, Danny Black, President and CEO of SouthernCarolina Alliance, highlighted the transformative impact the ATC will have on the region, both economically and in terms of providing fresher, healthier produce.
The strategic partnership between Phoenix Lender Services and Optus Bank has been instrumental in bringing the ATC to fruition. Chris Hurn, President of Phoenix Lender Services and Community Bankshares, Inc., noted the significance of investing in local food production: “By investing in local food production, we’re not only boosting U.S. agriculture but also bringing manufacturing back home, reducing reliance on foreign supply chains and creating lasting economic impact.”
As construction progresses, the ATC is poised to become a model for sustainable and efficient food production, setting a new standard for the agricultural industry in the U.S. and beyond.