According to The South Carolina Grower, long-time Horticulture Agent Tony Melton retired in early July, concluding a 40-year career with Clemson University. Melton is best known for working with fruit and vegetable growers in the Pee Dee Region.
Melton first began his career with Clemson University in 1980 in the Horticulture Department before earning his Master’s degree in Horticulture and becoming an Extension Agent in 1989.
In addition to his work with the farming community, Melton worked closely with the Master Gardeners in the Pee Dee and wrote weekly articles for the Florence Morning News. He was also involved in fruit and vegetable research, managing 20 acres of research plots at the Pee Dee Research and Educations Center in Darlington, South Carolina. As part of this work, Tony was recently awarded a Specialty Crop Block Grant to develop heat tolerant butter beans.
Throughout his career, Melton has earned numerous awards including the Distinguished Public Service Award from the Clemson Alumni Association, the County Agent of the Year from the SC Beekeeper Association and the Distinguished Service Award from the SC Association of County Agricultural Agents.