Yuma to Showcase Next Generation of Agricultural Technology at Global Summit

Oct. 28, 2026
Desert_Difference_2026
  • What: The Desert Difference: Global AgTech Innovation Summit 2026 will bring together growers, researchers and agricultural technology innovators for technology exhibits, expert presentations and live field demonstrations focused on the future of desert agriculture.
  • When: Dec. 9-10.
  • Where: Yuma Agricultural Center, 6425 W 8th St, Yuma, AZ 85364. Specific venue and field demonstration location to be confirmed.
  • RSVP: Media interested in attending should respond to Rose Brandt rjbrandt@arizona.edu by 5 p.m. Dec. 6. Early-bird registration available through Nov. 20. Visit www.DesertAgSolutions.org/desert-difference for more information.

YUMA, Ariz. — Growers, researchers and agricultural technology innovators will gather in Yuma Dec. 9-10 for the Desert Difference: Global AgTech Innovation Summit 2026, a conference showcasing technologies designed to address challenges in water use, labor, productivity and sustainability.

The summit is hosted by the Yuma Center of Excellence for Desert Agriculture and the University of Arizona Yuma Agricultural Center, in partnership with Western Growers Association, RDO Equipment and the TriDave Foundation.

A highlight of the summit will be the Integrated Testbed Demonstrations, which will showcase how automation, artificial intelligence, robotics, sensing technologies and agricultural connectivity can work together in commercial farming environments.

"Yuma offers something few agricultural regions can provide: the ability to test technologies under real-world production conditions at commercial scale," said Tanya Hodges, executive director of the Yuma Center of Excellence for Desert Agriculture. "The Desert Difference creates opportunities for growers, researchers and technology companies to collaborate on practical innovations that improve productivity, enhance resource efficiency, strengthen workforce effectiveness and advance the future of desert agriculture."

From November through April, the Yuma region supplies most of the nation's leafy greens. Its concentration of agricultural production, research expertise and technology infrastructure makes the region a valuable setting for evaluating solutions that could benefit farms in arid regions worldwide, according to conference organizers.

Summit participants will have opportunities to explore emerging technologies, observe field demonstrations, connect with innovators and researchers, and learn how new solutions are shaping the future of desert agriculture.

Registration is open to growers, researchers, students, industry professionals, investors and other agricultural stakeholders. Free early-bird registration is available now through Nov. 20. For registration, exhibitor opportunities, sponsorship information and Innovation Testbed participation, visit www.DesertAgSolutions.org/desert-difference.

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Media contact:
Rosemary Brandt
College of Agriculture, Life and Environmental Sciences
520-358-9729
rjbrandt@arizona.edu

Established in 1885, the University of Arizona is the state's flagship, land-grant institution. The U of A ranks among America's top institutions, focusing on student access and success while driving a $1 billion research enterprise and engaging communities throughout the state, nation and world. As a leading Research 1 institution and member of the Association of American Universities, the U of A advances the frontiers of interdisciplinary scholarship and entrepreneurial partnerships. With two accredited medical schools, designation as a Hispanic-Serving Institution by the U.S. Department of Education, recognition as a premier university for service members, distinguished programs in management information systems, planetary sciences, dance, photography, and public and applied humanities, the U of A offers the world to its students while uplifting Arizona.

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