Key Takeaways
- Optus Bank has led a USDA-backed financing package of more than $46 million for the Agriculture Technology Campus (ATC) in Hampton County, South Carolina.
- The campus is expected to attract over $350 million in private investment and create more than 1,000 jobs in the region.
- The ATC will feature hydroponic greenhouses and a processing facility designed to reduce water use and pesticide dependency.
- Produce from the campus will supply major U.S. retailers, with the goal of reducing reliance on imported goods.
- The facility is being developed by Agricultural Scientific, LLC and operated by Lokal Harvest USA, a subsidiary of Harvest House.
Optus Bank Financing Secured for AgTech Campus in Hampton County
Optus Bank has announced its participation in financing the Agriculture Technology Campus (ATC) in Early Branch, South Carolina. The project is located in Hampton County, an area identified as economically underserved. The bank structured over $46 million in loans through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Supply Chain and Business & Industry programs. The financing was carried out in partnership with Phoenix Lender Services, a subsidiary of Community Bankshares.
The Agriculture Technology Campus is expected to result in more than $350 million in private investment and generate approximately 1,000 new jobs in the county.
Project Aims to Support Domestic Food Production and Local Employment
The ATC will span more than 400 acres of hydroponic greenhouses and include a processing facility. The infrastructure is intended to support sustainable vegetable production using water-efficient methods and without chemical pesticides.
“This is more than a farming initiative—it’s a sustainable solution to structural weaknesses in our national food supply chain,” said Reggie Webber, Executive Vice President and Chief Credit Officer at Optus Bank. “We’re proud to help bring this vision to life through innovative capital solutions that deliver long-term value to people and planet alike.”
Optus Bank-Backed Campus to Supply Major Retailers
The project is being developed by Agricultural Scientific, LLC and will be operated by Lokal Harvest USA, a subsidiary of Harvest House, a European greenhouse company. Once operational, the facility plans to supply fresh produce to national retailers including Walmart, Kroger, Sam’s Club, Trader Joe’s, and Publix.
Estimates provided by project representatives suggest a potential reduction of carbon emissions associated with produce transportation, although these figures depend on future distribution logistics and operations.
Public-Private Partnership Model
The financing structure combines public loan programs with private investment. According to those involved, this approach is designed to support regional development goals while promoting local agricultural production.
Construction of the facility is underway, and stakeholders from the public and private sectors are participating in the project’s implementation.
