Reservoir Farms has launched a new pilot program in Yuma, Ariz., giving agtech startups access to 500 acres of commercial specialty crop production to test and refine robotics, artificial intelligence and automation technologies under real-world farming conditions. The initiative, developed in partnership with the University of Arizona’s Yuma Center for Excellence in Desert Agriculture (YCEDA), the Yuma Agricultural Center and Western Growers, is expected to begin operating Oct. 1 ahead of the region’s fall and winter growing season.

The Arizona site expands Reservoir Farms’ existing innovation network, allowing companies to test technologies year-round as production shifts between regions. By connecting startups with growers and researchers in one of the nation’s most important specialty crop production areas, the program aims to accelerate the development and adoption of practical solutions that improve efficiency, address labor challenges and strengthen the future of specialty crop agriculture.

Learn more about the Yuma location here.