Arizona Agribusiness Leaders Gather to Discuss State’s Farming and Water Future

TEMPE, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - Industry leaders and agricultural professionals from across the state came together Friday, March 13th, for the 7th Annual Agribusiness Roundtable hosted by the Arizona Department of Agriculture in partnership with the Agribusiness & Water Council of Arizona. The event provided a one-day forum for discussion on the current status and future of Arizona’s agriculture and water resources.

Tom Davis, President of the Agribusiness & Water Council of Arizona and General Manager of the Yuma County Water Users’ Association, highlighted the wide array of topics addressed during the roundtable. Discussions ranged from challenges facing the Colorado River to trade agreements and pest management, including concerns over the New World Screwworm. Davis emphasized the importance of the event, saying it benefits the entire state—from promoting local agriculture to strengthening international trade partnerships with countries such as Canada.

John Boelts, President of the Arizona Farm Bureau and owner of Desert Premium Farms, stressed the importance of networking and staying informed on emerging technologies. “Staying abreast of what faces all of us in agriculture is super helpful,” Boelts said. “We all need to be pulling for each other and advocating for each other—with public policymakers and the public alike.”

The roundtable also featured high-level insights from federal officials, including keynote speaker Dudley Hoskins, Under Secretary for Marketing & Regulatory Programs at the USDA. Hoskins provided perspectives on pressing animal health concerns, including avian influenza and the New World Screwworm, offering guidance and strategies for mitigating risks across Arizona farms.

“This is a great event for people to come and learn about where the state of Arizona agriculture is, where it’s going, and what they can do to benefit from it,” Davis said.

The Agribusiness Roundtable remains an important platform for fostering collaboration, sharing expertise, and ensuring the continued growth and sustainability of Arizona’s agricultural sector.