The Arizona Board of Regents has approved a $3 million Regents’ Grant to strengthen Arizona’s agriculture industry and advance sustainable farming practices.
The Arizona Department of Agriculture will work with the state’s three public universities to create a hub based in Yuma. The goal is to ensure long-term agriculture resilience and address challenges like groundwater depletion and resource scarcity.
Arizona Department of Agriculture Director Paul Brierley said the initiative will focus on developing solutions in three key areas: precision agriculture, soil health, and crop innovation.
"Those just haven’t been moving along fast enough," Brierley said.
Brierley said Yuma is the perfect place to headquarter the research because Arizona State University, Northern Arizona University and University of Arizona all have existing programs in the city. About 90% of all the leafy vegetables grown in the U.S. from November through March are grown in and around the Yuma area, according to the Yuma County Chamber of Commerce.
“Yuma’s agriculture community knows how to tackle tough challenges, but we can’t do it alone. By working with our universities, we can bring new technology, research and ideas to the people who need it most,” Sen. Tim Dunn (R-Yuma) said. “Grant funding like this can help create long-term solutions and prepare the next generation of leaders. I applaud the Arizona Board of Regents for supporting this effort and helping build a stronger, more sustainable future for agriculture in Yuma.”
-
Arizona Congressmen Andy Biggs and Greg Stanton joined forces this week to request the release of drought mitigation funding. -
Cloud seeding is being used here in Arizona and in states across the West to literally make clouds rain or snow. The question is, how much water can it add to our increasingly dry climate? -
Arizona's water supply could face major cutbacks on the heels of an exceptionally hot, dry winter in the Rocky Mountains. -
There are grassy fields, tree-covered mountains, desert scrub and riparian preserves. In fact, it’s one of the top biodiversity hot spots in the world, especially for birders. -
Mayor Regina Romero and City Council members asked city officials to put together a draft amendment after voting to block Project Blue last year. That’s the data center proposed for a 290-acre stretch of Tucson’s southeast side that would have used millions of gallons of city water.
