WG 2.0
The WGCIT Agtech Blog

Agtech innovators. WGCIT stories.

  • Vic Smith

Yuma Center of Excellence for Desert Agriculture prepares WGCIT Startups for the Seasonal Shifts in Ag

Posted on July 18, 2018 10:09 AM by elyons

On Monday, July 16th, the Western Growers Center for Innovation & Technology welcomed Paul Brierley, the Director of the University of Arizona’s Desert Research Center to meet with Center residents. Paul was accompanied by WG board-members Vic Smith (JV Smith Companies) and Robby Barkley (Barkley Ag Enterprises LLC); both also serve on the YCEDA Advisory Board in the desert. The Yuma Center of Excellence for Desert Agriculture (YCEDA) is a public-private partnership bringing the science community, and the agricultural industry together to solve the needs of desert ag production.

WGCIT residents were encouraged to begin thinking about their winter 2018-2019 outreach now, to allow farmers to set their production schedules. YCEDA works collaboratively with the WGCIT and serves as research opportunity for companies focused on the priorities of growers in the Yuma region. YCEDA’s partnership with the WGCIT can assist with demonstration farm opportunities and, where appropriate, grower contacts for proof-of-concept.

Nearly two dozen Western Growers CIT innovators participated in the WG Insider on Desert Programs for this 2018 winter. Paul, Vic, and Robby all spoke about their roles within YCEDA and Western Growers, and the residents were free to ask questions. Following the questions, many of the residents introduced themselves and their technologies to the speakers in more casual conversations. Photos from the event can be viewed on the WGCIT Facebook page