Clemson scientist aims to redefine agriculture
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Clemson University scientist Patrick Wechter sees controlled environment agriculture as a new path forward for South Carolina.
Source: Clemson University College of Agriculture, Forestry and Life Sciences
by Denise Attaway
June 1, 2026 - In greenhouses filled with climbing cucumber vines and carefully balanced hydroponic systems, Clemson University scientist Patrick Wechter sees more than a new way to grow vegetables.
He sees a future for South Carolina agriculture.
As traditional farming faces increasing pressure from labor shortages, volatile weather, rising input costs and shrinking profit margins, controlled environment agriculture (CEA) could offer growers a new path forward.
CEA involves a variety of systems that take a technology-based approach to farming. Systems range from simple shade structures and hoop houses to greenhouses to full indoor or vertical farms.
Wechter believes South Carolina is uniquely positioned to lead the CEA movement, but he needs growers to support it.
“I need agricultural entrepreneurs,” said Wechter, director of the Clemson Coastal Research and Education Center (REC) near Charleston, South Carolina. “I need people in the state to look at ‘farming’ in a different, 21st-century way. Bottom line is, if people are not willing, ready and excited about being a player in the field of controlled environment agriculture, then the dream stops there.”
Reducing America’s dependence on imports
At the Coastal REC, Wechter and his team are developing Asian long cucumbers and Persian-style Beit Alpha cucumbers specifically adapted for high-temperature greenhouse production systems. Beit Alpha cucumbers are premium, Middle Eastern heirloom cucumbers celebrated for their mild, sweet flavor, crisp texture and exceptionally thin, tender skin that requires no peeling.
Other Clemson scientists are using modern plant breeding, genetic engineering and gene-editing tools to develop greenhouse crops that are better suited for controlled environment agriculture.
Using facilities on the University’s main campus, this work focuses on creating plants with the correct shape and growth habits for greenhouse production, while also making them more resistant to diseases such as powdery mildew that can threaten greenhouse crops.
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