Center for Urban Smart Agriculture
Connecting small-scale producers to the science-based resources they need.
We advocate and support the development, adoption, and implementation of science-based solutions to the unique challenges facing Arizona's urban producers.
We foster informed dialogue among scientists, farming communities, industry leaders, regulatory agencies, and policymakers to strengthen knowledge, build capacity, and support growers and ranchers. Our purpose is to be a centralized resource that inspires discovery and innovation in the ever-evolving field of urban agriculture through tailored events, educational resources, and practical programs. We bring people and ideas together to help producers adopt new approaches, put knowledge into practice, and ultimately thrive.
2026 Soil to Table Summit
Growing More Than Food: Building Sustainable Farms, Strong Businesses, and Connected Communities.
On November 9th and 10th, this two-day event will bring together small-scale, urban, and beginning farmers from all over the state of Arizona, along with key stakeholders in our local food systems. Speakers include government agencies, non-profits, agricultural businesses, and university educators.
Join us to improve Arizona’s local food production systems together!
Free Resources
Beginning Farmer Program
The archived small-scale, beginner farmer program addresses the half of Arizona farms who operate on fewer than 10 acres, with 88% earning less than $25,000 in annual sales. Although many of these producers are considered beginners, with 10 years or less of agricultural experience, they are critical to the success of a sustainable and local food system.
Educational Materials
Experts to back yard gardeners can find the answer to all their questions with the UofA educational materials website. This is a readily accessible peer-reviewed, online library with current and useful agricultural information. In addition, the publication archive is also available with relevant materials dating back more than a century.
Speaker Archives
Here you will find a video library of our once-a-month Urban Ag Hour webinars from experts in various agricultural fields, previous Soil to Table Summit speakers, and other helpful resources for your daily farm needs.
Click through the playlists to locate different subjects.
Do you use conservation practices and want to shape the next generation of growers?
Host an apprentice! Early next year we are launching the second round of our apprenticeship program. It pairs eager, emerging growers with experienced local producers located in Maricopa, Yavapai, Navajo, or Apache County. Help shape the next generation with your wisdom, while gaining an extra pair of zero-cost hands! Email Kaley Necessary at kaleynecessary@arizona.edu for more details.
