City positions self to lead in ag tech

Micah Miranda, Maricopa economic development director, said Maricopa is “uniquely positioned to develop” the agri-tech industry.

In late July, the city partnered with AZBio and gave 60 people — including elected officials, interested residents and industry leaders — an opportunity to see Shane C. Burgess, dean of the University of Arizona College of Agricultural and Life Sciences give a presentation.

“This event helped raise awareness of these local assets and opportunities for new business to develop in Maricopa,” Miranda said.

Burgess emphasized the importance of growing food more efficiently in the future and the new technologies and methods being developed to do so.

After the presentation, the group toured the nearby USDA’s Arid Land Agricultural Research Center and the University of Arizona’s Maricopa Agricultural Center.

Both facilities use examples of the cutting-edge agricultural technology being developed locally.

The research center is a hub of work being conducted to advance an array of agricultural needs, including advanced pest management, plant physiology and genetics and water management and conservation.

The university’s facility is an experimental farm growing specialty crops that could potentially be used to provide fibers, oils and pharmaceuticals as well as traditional crops like cotton, grains and alfalfa.

To download Burgess’ presentation, click here.