Phase 1 Planning Grant
The Greater Yuma Economic Development Corporation (GYEDC), in partnership with the University of Arizona Yuma Center of Excellence for Desert Agriculture (YCEDA) and the Yuma Agricultural Center (YAC), has been awarded a $300,000 Phase 1 planning grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) to conduct the Yuma Agricultural Center Smart Farm Incubator Feasibility Study.
The initiative will evaluate the feasibility of developing a next-generation Smart Farm and AgTech incubator at the University of Arizona Yuma Agricultural Center. The project will assess infrastructure requirements, market demand, operational models, and preliminary architectural concepts needed to support an agricultural innovation hub focused on precision agriculture, automation, data-driven farming technologies, and workforce development.
The proposed Smart Farm incubator is envisioned as a collaborative environment where researchers, entrepreneurs, AgTech startups, growers, and industry partners can develop, test, validate, and commercialize technologies in a real-world desert agriculture setting.
“This investment represents an important step toward building a more resilient, technology-driven agricultural economy,” said Greg LaVann, President and CEO of the Greater Yuma Economic Development Corporation. “Through this grant, YCEDA, YAC, and GYEDC are helping to prepare the market to empower innovators, support the next generation of AgTech companies, and create workforce opportunities that align with the future needs of the agribusiness industry. The initiative will also promote greater water and resource efficiency while positioning our region for sustained economic growth, private-sector investment, and meaningful job creation.”
Over the next 12 months, project partners will conduct a comprehensive feasibility and planning process that includes stakeholder engagement, site and infrastructure analysis, environmental and sustainability assessments, conceptual design work, and operational/business planning. The study will also evaluate opportunities to integrate advanced technologies such as precision irrigation systems, renewable energy integration, broadband-enabled agricultural systems, automation, and climate-smart agricultural practices.
“This Phase 1 planning effort positions Yuma to further strengthen its role as a global leader in desert agriculture and agricultural innovation,” said Dr. Tanya Hodges, Executive Director of the Yuma Center of Excellence for Desert Agriculture (YCEDA). “By bringing together industry, university research, and economic development partners, we are creating a foundation for collaboration that can accelerate commercialization, support growers, and advance sustainable agricultural solutions for the future.”
The Smart Farm feasibility study will also explore the development of incubator and accelerator space for emerging AgTech companies, workforce training facilities, indoor labs, collaborative research areas, and demonstration sites that support both agricultural production and technology validation. “We are seeing a rapid rise in agricultural technology innovation, with increasing demand from companies and researchers seeking to develop and validate solutions in real-world production environments,” said Dr. Samuel Discua, Director of the UA Yuma Agricultural Center. “Establishing a dedicated innovation hub in Yuma would strengthen the region’s role as a national AgTech testbed, attracting and providing companies with the ability to accelerate validation, reduce time to market, and scale solutions in partnership with growers, while advancing economic competitiveness and addressing critical challenges in water, labor, and workforce development.”
Projected long-term outcomes of the initiative include increased agricultural innovation, support for emerging agribusinesses and AgTech startups, workforce development opportunities, enhanced water and resource efficiency, and regional economic growth through new investment and job creation.
An advisory committee comprised of industry leaders, researchers, educators, and community stakeholders will help guide the planning process. Pending successful completion of Phase 1, project partners anticipate pursuing future implementation funding opportunities, including potential Phase 2 EDA funding, to support development and construction of the Smart Farm incubator.
About Greater Yuma Economic Development Corporation (GYEDC)
The Greater Yuma Economic Development Corporation works to attract new business investment, support existing industries, and strengthen the regional economy through strategic partnerships, infrastructure development, and innovation-focused initiatives.
About Yuma Center of Excellence for Desert Agriculture (YCEDA)
The Yuma Center of Excellence for Desert Agriculture (YCEDA) is a public-private partnership that connects industry, researchers, growers, and stakeholders to advance innovation and sustainability in desert agriculture.
About the University of Arizona Yuma Agricultural Center (YAC)
The University of Arizona Yuma Agricultural Center is a leading agricultural research and extension facility supporting innovation, applied research, and technology advancement in one of the most productive agricultural regions in the United States.
