Center for Urban Smart Agriculture

Center for Urban Smart Agriculture

Transforming sustainable urban food production through purpose-driven science.

Farming in Arizona is changing.

Arizona farms are about half the size they were 20 years ago, but the number of farms has more than doubled during that time, with 25% now run by beginner farmers in urban areas. Though their size is small, the impact these urban farms have on economic development, employment opportunities and access to fresh, local produce is not. The Center for Urban Smart Agriculture empowers farmers to get the most out of their land and business by leading purpose-driven science that's tailored to the unique challenges facing urban growers in the Sonoran Desert.

Resources for Farmers


soil ph demonstration
Urban Ag Production, Small-Scale, Beginner Farmer Program

Half of Arizona farms operate on fewer than 10 acres, with 88% of these farms earning less than $25,000 in annual sales. Many of these farmers are also new to agriculture and need support on how to grow crops and their business. We work with farmers to build a foundation for success through educational programming and mentorship.

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Featured Events


December 3rd, 2025 - Business Development Workshop

We are looking forward to connecting with small-scale, beginner, and aspiring producers in Northern Arizona! The focus of this workshop is on growing or developing your business, whether that’s one already in place or just something you’ve been dreaming up and looking to make a reality. We plan to cover identifying niches, marketing, pros and cons of certified labels, organic and conventional practices, and an overview of zoning information and additional business development resources. This event will take place from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. in Rimrock, AZ and online.


December 13th, 2025 - Winter Indigenous Food Wellness Circle

This event will focus on food sovereignty for Indigenous communities, including the right to healthy and culturally appropriate food produced through ecologically sound and sustainable methods. We will discuss and demonstrate the deep connection between traditional foods, culture, health, and well-being, as well as the need to restore these connections and support Indigenous people in reclaiming their food systems, which have been disrupted by historical and systemic challenges. The event will also explore how Indigenous science can be combined with modern agricultural practices to promote a sustainable future for Indigenous food systems. We hope to see you there from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the University of Arizona Maricopa County Cooperative Extension Office (Phoenix, AZ)!

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Soil to Table Summit

Annual gathering that strengthens Arizona's local food system by connecting small-scale, urban and beginning farmers to others committed to making fresh food accessible. View every talk from this two day event and dive deep into topics like soil and plant health, keys to being a profitable marketing growing, efficient irrigation and so much more.

watch the talks on youtube

Our mission and goals are focused.


The University of Arizona Center for Urban Smart Agriculture (UACUSA) is an umbrella organization that facilitates collaboration among U of A specialists, urban farming communities, small-scale farmers, beginning farming communities, relevant academic institutions, government representatives, industry professionals, and students. Our areas of focus include water and climate, agroecology and sustainable production, business, socioeconomics and entrepreneurship, policy, evaluation, supply chains, and healthy diets and human nutrition.

Advocate

Promote policies that support urban and sustainable agriculture production and enable dynamic business, entrepreneurship and supply chain systems.

Communicate

Connect local, regional, statewide and national partners together to maximize the impact of initiatives serving urban and sustainable agriculture.

Create

Develop research and education models specific to urban producers and sustainable practices in the Sonoran Desert.

Evaluate

Analyze environmental, socioeconomic and political factors that shape urban agriculture in Arizona and monitor the impacts of adopting sustainable practices over time and across the state.

Community Impact


3,500+

people engaged in educational programming since 2022.

1,500+

community members benefiting from technical assistance.

1,000+

annual visitors to the People's Demonstration Farm.

Meet the Team