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 businesses by leading purpose-driven science that's tailored to the unique challenges facing urban growers in the Sonoran Desert.
Resources for farmers
Courses
Science-based curriculum for every aspect of urban and small-scale farming.
Instructional Videos
Learn to track weather, maintain your soil, programs to help you sell your harvest and so much more.
Urban Ag Hour
Monthly webinars connecting you to research and information from experts.
Educational Materials
Online library full of expert information on getting the most out of your agriculture operation.
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. Our program works with farmers to build a foundation for success through educational programming and mentorship.
Our impact
Our mission and goals are focused
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.
Dr. Ayman Mostafa
UACUSA Director
Field Crops IPM & Urban Ag Production Interim Director
Programmatic Area Agent
University of Arizona Maricopa Cooperative Extension Regional Specialist, Entomology
602-827-8213
602-290-8061
ayman@arizona.edu
Naomi Pier
UACUSA Programs Manager
Urban Ag Production, Small-Scale, Beginner Farmer Program Manager
520-568-2273
nmpier@email.arizona.edu
Tiffany Drake
UACUSA Policy Evaluation Committee Coordinator
Program Coordinator, Event Planning
602-827-8272
draket@arizona.edu
Sara Hipperson
UACUSA Business, Socioeconomics, & Entrepreneurship Committee Coordinator
Program Coordinator, Urban Agriculture Curriculum
602-827-8252
sarahipperson@arizona.edu
Sharrona Moore
UACUSA Agroecology & Sustainable Production Committee Coordinator
Program Coordinator, Community Outreach & Beekeeping
602-827-8253
snmoore@arizona.edu