Wilson’s Smart Ag facility leads the way in rural agricultural tech

By Shappelle Marshall

Wilson’s new Smart Ag innovation hub is pioneering the future of agriculture in Eastern North Carolina.

Combining cutting-edge technology, workforce training, and community collaboration, this first-of-its-kind facility is set to boost the regional economy and help farmers adopt smarter, more sustainable farming practices across the state and beyond.

A groundbreaking agricultural innovation hub is planting new roots in Wilson and is already shaping up to be a game-changer for the region’s economy, workforce, and farming future.

Funded through the USDA’s Rural Innovation Stronger Economy (RISE) grant, the Smart Ag facility is the latest addition to the City of Wilson’s Gig East innovation ecosystem and is the first of its kind in North Carolina to combine real-world ag-tech testing, workforce development, and startup support. Designed to bridge the gap between technology and tradition, the facility focuses on driving forward smart, sustainable agriculture.

What is the Smart Ag facility?

The Wilson Smart Ag pilot facility features a greenhouse, two high tunnels, and surrounding test fields, all equipped with cutting-edge sensors, and control systems powered by Greenlight, Wilson’s fiber-optic broadband network.

“We had the connectivity infrastructure, thanks to Greenlight, along with a strong foundation of public-private collaboration,” said Brittany Smith, project lead for the City of Wilson and Gig East. “The RISE grant enabled us to bring this vision to life, creating a space where innovation in agriculture can be tested, refined, and shared.”

At its core, the Smart Ag facility is designed to serve three main groups: farmers who want to evaluate new technologies, entrepreneurs looking to pilot emerging ag-tech products, and students eager to learn modern agricultural skills.

Why now and why Wilson?

Agriculture has long been one of Eastern North Carolina’s most vital industries. But as technology transforms how food is grown, managed, and distributed, rural regions risk being left behind. For Wilson, the Smart Ag facility comes at the right time and in the right place.

“From climate resilience to supply chain challenges, the need for smarter farming solutions is here, and Wilson has the tools to lead,” Smith said.

That foundation has also been strengthened by a powerful collaboration with RIoT, a nonprofit focused on technology-based economic development.

“This is a space that’s built for applied experimentation,” said Greg Dunko, Director of Strategy at RIoT. “It’s meant to help entrepreneurs and researchers test and deploy solutions in real-world conditions, not just lab settings.”

A pipeline to the workforce of the future

In a region where agriculture runs deep, Smart Ag is helping ensure that future jobs in farming don’t leave anyone behind. A key part of that strategy is workforce development, and Wilson Community College (WCC) is stepping up in a big way.

Starting this fall, WCC will launch a new agribusiness technology program, led by instructor Jill Murphy, with hands-on training opportunities at the Smart Ag site built into the curriculum. “WCC’s role is crucial,” said Smith. “They’re helping us prepare students and workers with the skills needed in a tech-driven ag economy.”

Dunko echoed that sentiment, noting the growing need for hybrid roles. “There will always be a place for crucial agricultural knowledge and skills, but there will be additional needs for data economy skills,” he said. “There will be opportunities for new roles such as greenhouse technicians and agriculture smart systems designers among others.”

The Smart Ag facility is a key part of Wilson’s broader strategy to grow a diversified, tech-driven economy. As a natural extension of Gig East, Wilson’s initiative that nurtures innovation and economic growth, it brings together entrepreneurs, educators and economic developers in a shared mission.

“Our goal has always been to foster an ecosystem where entrepreneurship, technology, and community development intersect,” Smith said. “With Smart Ag, we’re expanding that vision into one of our region’s core economic sectors.”

Outreach in action

RIoT and the City of Wilson are working to ensure that the benefits of Smart Ag reach the broader community. As part of that push, RIoT is actively spreading the word through ag-tech conferences, regional outreach, and existing entrepreneurship networks.

“Awareness is critical,” Dunko said. “We want to engage more local growers and innovators, especially those who may not yet be familiar with ag-tech opportunities.”

Smith added that equity is a core part of the mission. “This isn’t just a facility for researchers or startups,” she said. “We’re making sure small and minority-owned farms, students from underserved backgrounds, and residents see and feel the benefits of this investment. It’s a true community resource.”

While rooted in Wilson, the team is thinking far beyond county lines.

“This facility is based in Wilson and built with Eastern North Carolina in mind, but we’re not limiting its reach,” Dunko added. “We want to help the agriculture community wherever it is — across the state and even the broader region. With Wilson’s strong broadband infrastructure, local innovation mindset, and proactive water management, we think it’s the ideal home for this kind of work, but the door is open for everyone.”

Both Dunko and Smith agree that the long-term success of Gig East Smart Ag won’t be measured by one single outcome. It’s about startups launched, new jobs created, technologies adopted, and students trained.

“We want Wilson to be known as a place where tradition and technology work hand in hand,” Smith said. “Where agriculture is forward-looking, inclusive, and resilient.”

Wilson has long been a place where hard work and innovation thrive. With Smart Ag, it’s now also a place where the future of farming is being built.