As one of the major centers of the Arizona Agricultural Experiment Station, the Maricopa Agricultural Center strives to be at the forefront of disciplinary field investigations, to develop, deliver and service the best appropriate integrated agricultural technologies for all problems faced by Arizona consumers and producers, and to provide assistance to all scientists conducting their research and educational outreach programs. The Center not only provides facilities and support for extension outreach programs, but also provides support and facilities for teaching University classes and Ag-Literacy to all age groups.
The Maricopa Agricultural Center's main focus is on cotton, small grains, alfalfa, and new specialty crops that could be used to provide fibers, oils, pharmaceuticals, etc. The research projects are related to irrigation and crop water requirements, soils and crop fertility, insects and IPM management, cotton production and breeding, new crops and their uses, weed control, cultural management practices, plant diseases, and urban entomology.