WRRC Organizes Curry Farms Visit
On October 17, guests from the University of Arizona and across the state visited Curry Seed & Chile Company in Pearce, AZ, for a tour organized by WRRC Director Sharon B. Megdal. Curry Farms president and founder Ed Curry is a fourth-generation farmer, has been growing chiles since he was a child, and developed a lifelong interest in chile genetics. An estimated 80–90% of the chiles grown commercially in the US can be genetically traced back to Curry Farms. Curry also serves on the Governor’s Water Policy Council and has implemented several water conservation projects on the farm. The visit included a tour of the processing facility and the agricultural fields, where guests were invited to test out the different flavors and textures of some of the chiles. The group also visited Curry’s home to enjoy a feast of enchiladas, chile rellenos, and more — featuring Curry chiles, of course! The tour group included WRRC Director Sharon B. Megdal, Associate Director Jamie McEvoy, and Project Manager Garland Speight, as well as Cooperative Extension Associate Vice President and Director Ed Martin, and several others. A message from Martin described the visit as “a great opportunity for many of us to see firsthand the innovation of Arizona growers and the hard work and dedication they have to preserve agriculture in Arizona by using technology to save water and produce an outstanding product.”
Images: Ed Curry and Sharon B. Megdal