Arizona universities receive regents grant from state board

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) - The Arizona Board of Regents announced Thursday it will give regents grant worth $3,000,000 to the local branches of Arizona State University, University of Arizona, and Northern Arizona University.

"I want all three working together because they all bring complimentary expertise," said Paul Brierley, Director of the Arizona Department of Agriculture.

They will award $1,000,000 a year for the next three years.

This new hub will prioritize tri-university agriculture research and collaboration. This grant is meant to advance resilient and sustainable farming practices.

"There's a real threat to agriculture from the water cutbacks and everything else, and how can we keep agriculture sustainable and productive, and so that’s the challenge here with this opportunity statement," Brierley says.

Arizona State Senator Tim Dunn (R) says it's all about continuing to advance AG in our area.

"[The] grant is one thing, but actually getting the research and making sure that we're continuing to improve our soils and the ability for us to ship and provide Americas safe produce," said Sen. Dunn.

Brierley explains how and why Yuma can be the future of AG not just for the state, but for the nation.

"The three universities all have a presence here, AWC is here as a great partner, it has the broadband network that's connecting all the farm fields with high speed broadband, it has progressive farmers that are really interested in the newest and latest technology," Brierley says.

The meeting highlighted how Yuma's agro-business continues to develop.