ACRE at 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).

Associate Director Brown of ACRE 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.

Brown's team at the University of Memphis is pioneering the use of aerial technology to detect fruit orchard diseases early, focusing on farms in West Tennessee. 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.