Problem Solving Through Collaboration

  

YCEDA provides a responsive approach to dealing with problems. When you have a pressing problem, you need answers now.

Vic Smith, JV Smith Companies

The Yuma Center of Excellence for Desert Agriculture (YCEDA) is dedicated to bringing scientific research and industry together to find solutions that bring value to stakeholders by addressing "on-the-ground" needs of Desert Ag production. Donor support enables us to forge alliances, initiate projects, and secure grant funding to maximize the impact of our work. Those joining the Yuma Center of Excellence for Desert Agriculture make a tax-deductible financial commitment administered through the University of Arizona Foundation. For more information on becoming a supporting partner, please contact us.

YCEDA is an excellent example of an effective and efficient public-private partnership that is helping solve real time problems in agriculture.

"John D'Arrigo, President and CEO, Chairman of the Board, D'Arrigo Bros. Co., of California"

YCEDA is an investment in our future. Our goal is to have a world-class research group readily available to us.

"Robby Barkley, President and CEO, Barkley Ag Enterprises" 

Investors

Advisory Council

The YCEDA Advisory Council guides the YCEDA Executive Director on the focus of the research and programs for the center

robbie barkley

Robert Barkley

Chair

  • President & CEO
    Barkley Ag Enterprises

Victor Smith

Victor Smith

Vice Chair

  • CEO
    JV Smith Companies

John D'Arrigo

John D'Arrigo

Member

  • President & CEO, Chairman of the Board
    D'Arrigo Bros. Co., of California

Rob Plaice

Rob Plaice

Member

  • Global Development Manager
    Gowan Co.

Mark Smith

Mark Smith

Member

  • President
    Smith Farms Company of Yuma, Inc.

Mark Stover

Mark Stover

Member

  • Director of Yuma/Imperial Farming Operations
    Tanimura & Antle

Jesus Tovar

Member

  • President
    T & P Farms INC

Tanya Hodges

Tanya Hodges

YCEDA Executive Director

  • Executive Director
    Yuma Center of Excellence for Desert Agriculture

Shane Burgess

VP & Dean Shane Burgess

Ex-Officio Member

  • Vice President for Agriculture, Life and Veterinary Sciences, and Cooperative Extension; Charles-Sander Dean, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences ; Director, Arizona Experiment Station
    University of Arizona

Technical Committee

The YCEDA technical committee provides feedback on project progress for ongoing projects and
guides objectives and goal development for new projects.

  • Stephanie Slinski
    YCEDA
  • Chris Auza
    Barkley Company
  • Pat Cooley
    Keithly-Williams Seeds
  • Troy Edwards
    Four Little Devils Farms
  • Kim Horton
    Taylor Farms
  • Ryan Lee
    Lee Farms Produce
  • Matt McGuire
    JV Smith Companies
  • Paul Nelson
    D'Arrigo Brothers Co., of California
  • Larry Ott
    Gila Valley Farms
  • Francisco Tovar
    T&P Farms
  • Clark Webb
    The Dune Company
  • Brad Stinson
    Duda Farm Fresh Foods

Technical Experts

Leadership Team

  • Tanya Hodges
    thodges@arizona.edu
    YCEDA Executive Director
  • Stephanie Slinski
    Associate Director, Applied Research & Development
  • Sonnet Nelson
    YCEDA Associate Director, Operations
  • Andrew French
    YCEDA Research Development Professional
  • Brenda Barry
    CALES Director of Corporate Relations
  • Alex Strong
    CALES Director of Development

YCEDA Staff

  • Jasmine Miranda
    Research Technician
  • Michelle Rodriguez
    Research Technician
  • Rico Sanchez
    Farm Attendant

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