Women of Impact: Interview with Tanya Hodges
Tanya Hodges, executive director of the Yuma Center of Excellence for Desert Agriculture, explains how the University of Arizona is at the forefront of innovation in all aspects of food production, why a small border town is so crucial to feeding North America and how agricultural advancements in Arizona can benefit growers globally.
In the "Conversations with Women of Impact" interview series, Women of Impact award winners provide perspectives on the future of their fields, share what inspires them, and discuss what they've been up to over the last year.
Please tell us about your work.
I work for the University of Arizona in Yuma as the Executive Director of the Yuma Center of Excellence for Desert Agriculture. (YCEDA), which is a research and innovation center that initiates and advances applied research in desert crop production systems and One Health. We support and promote research and innovation through cross-disciplinary research initiatives and collaboration with the industry to translate research into action.
I just started the YCEDA position in May. Before this, I had the incredible opportunity to build UA Yuma Academic Programs. I did this for 16 years, working with industry and UA departments to grow the UA Yuma Distance Campus into a higher education resource that offers local students 20 majors while working with regional industries and agencies to ensure that the degree programs will serve the surrounding communities and provide successful life trajectories for graduates while filling workforce gaps. I still teach a class or two to stay connected to students and prepare them to enter the world of work.
What sort of impact are you making in your field?
As the Executive Director of YCEDA, I am honored to lead an internationally respected public-private team supporting those feeding our world through various research and development efforts. YCEDA aims to safeguard production and emphasize the great responsibility of producing safe and healthy food while maximizing the use of natural resources, broadening the impact to global arid regions around the world.
As an instructor, I am part of the Yuma team expanding educational opportunities to first-generation students unable to leave their hometown to attend university and complete a bachelor's degree.
Research, and academia in general, is full of experts, but what could we all learn about inclusion?
Everyone has a story and unique experiences. Taking the time to listen and understand can be incredibly eye-opening and enlightening. Everyone deserves an opportunity to succeed, even if the definition of success differs from yours.
What are your expectations for your field and the ways in which it might grow or evolve over the next 20 years?
Food is an essential basic need, so the importance of YCEDA and its work will only grow. YCEDA sits on the border of four states among two countries. The region represents over 10,000 square miles and is the Winter Lettuce capital of North America. Between October and April, over 90% of the US and Canada's leafy greens and other vegetables are grown, with more than 170 million servings a day of leafy greens leaving Yuma for North American destinations. During the rest of the year, Yuma supplies the world with melons, wheat, cotton, various forages, dates, citrus, and other crops. The desert agriculture industry provides 175 different crops, contributing to an abundant, safe food supply for the world's consumers. Over the next 20 years, agriculture food systems and One Health will continue to become more technology and science-driven, growing as interdisciplinary "incubators." Interdisciplinary collaborations on topics relevant to agriculture systems, one-health, food safety will all be essential to food security.
What's your latest recommendation for a good book, movie, album, TV show or podcast?
I recommend watching two YouTube videos highlighting the impact of Yuma agriculture. Most people do not understand where or how their food is produced. The first is less than ten minutes and perfect to watch at your desk while you’re settling into the office. The second is a little longer, but Yuma Fresh Vegetable Association really captured so much of what is happening here.