The 20th Annual Southwest Ag Summit comes to a close
YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) - The 20th Annual Southwest Ag Summit wrapped up today in Yuma, closing out three days of discussions, technology showcases and industry networking with a visit from a national agriculture leader.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Under Secretary for Farm Production and Conservation, Richard Fordyce, served as the keynote speaker on the final day of the summit. During his remarks, Fordyce explained that he made the trip to Yuma to better understand the region’s role in feeding the country and to hear more about the challenges local growers are facing.
Organizers say his three-day visit gave him a firsthand look at the area’s agricultural landscape and the opportunity to bring Yuma’s concerns back to the Department of Agriculture in Washington.
They say the overall message is that Yuma’s desert climate and year-round vegetable production make it a critical part of the nation’s food supply..and a place where new farming innovations can be tested and refined.
Throughout the summit, vendors from around the world showcased emerging technology designed to help growers improve efficiency and productivity. That included drone systems designed to protect crops from birds, as well as specialized track wheelchairs aimed at helping farmers with disabilities continue working in the field.
Organizers say events like the Ag Summit help keep Yuma at the forefront of agricultural innovation, and with national attention on the region, they remain confident in the future of local agriculture.
