Agribusiness & Water Council Of Arizona

What Agribusiness & Water Council Of Arizona does

The Agribusiness & Water Council of Arizona (ABWC) is a not-for-profit trade association founded in 1978 and headquartered at 4455 East Broadway Road, Suite 102, Mesa, Arizona. It represents the entire Arizona agricultural community — described as "ditch bank to dinnerplate" — including farmers, ranchers, agribusinesses, irrigation districts, and water utilities across the state. ABWC operates as Arizona's representative to the National Water Resources Association and is a recognized participant in Colorado River policy discussions. The organization is led by President Tom Davis (General Manager of Yuma County Water Users' Association), Vice President Donovan Neese, Treasurer Glen Vortherms, Legislative Chair Wade Noble, and Executive Director Stephanie Dubien (hired 2024).

ABWC's core deliverables fall into four programs: (i) the Water Management Certificate Program (WMCP), a nine-month professional training program delivered at ASU Polytechnic in collaboration with the Morrison School of Agribusiness and Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering, with Cohort XIV launching September 2026; (ii) the Arizona Master Irrigators Program, a practical irrigation training delivered with the University of Arizona College of Agriculture, Life & Environmental Sciences, and Cooperative Extension Services; (iii) the On-Farm Irrigation Efficiency Program, a grant channel offering growers up to $1,500 per acre with a $1,000,000 maximum reimbursement for efficiency-increasing irrigation systems through approved vendors, designed to lift application efficiency by 20% or more; and (iv) the Arizona Association of Women in Water & Agriculture (AAWWA), a networking and professional development initiative. The organization also convenes the Annual Meeting & Water Conference, the H2Open Golf Tournament, the Steak & Chuck Dinner with the Yuma County Agriculture Water Coalition, and the Arizona Agribusiness Roundtable with the Arizona Department of Agriculture.

Commercially, ABWC is a 501(c)(6) member-funded association with 1–10 employees. Revenue is generated through membership dues (from irrigation districts, agricultural producers, and water utilities), tuition from WMCP and Master Irrigators, and event sponsorships. Pricing is not publicly disclosed, and no audited financials are available. ABWC does not develop or operate proprietary technology products; its function is advocacy, education, training, and convening rather than technology commercialization.

Name

Agribusiness & Water Council Of Arizona

Legal name

Agribusiness & Water Council of Arizona

Website

https://agribusinessarizona.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1978

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

The Agribusiness & Water Council of Arizona is a not-for-profit trade association founded in 1978 that advocates for Arizona's agricultural and water management community and delivers credentialed training programs on irrigation and water resource management.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Agricultural Trade Association Services

NAICS

Water, Sewage and Other Systems (2213), Water Supply and Irrigation Systems (22131)

SIC

Agricultural Services (700)

akta.pro industry

PRIMARYAFACAFAD

Irrigation Operation, Maintenance & Repair (Pumps, Valves, Controllers)

Agriculture & Food Production/Agricultural Services (Custom Farming, Agronomy, Veterinary)/Irrigation & Water Management Services (Design, Scheduling, Maintenance)

SECONDARYAFACAFAI

Irrigation Automation & Controls Services (SCADA, Sensors, Telemetry)

Agriculture & Food Production/Agricultural Services (Custom Farming, Agronomy, Veterinary)/Irrigation & Water Management Services (Design, Scheduling, Maintenance)

SECONDARYAFAGAMAD

Water-Smart Irrigation & Water Stewardship (Drip/Micro, Scheduling, Water Harvesting)

Agriculture & Food Production/Crop Farming/Sustainable Farming Practices

SECONDARYBPAIACAG

Water Supply & Wastewater Utilities Administration

Business & Public Services/Public Sector & Government Administration/Local/Municipal Government Administration

Keywords

• Agricultural trade association
• Water resource advocacy
• Irrigation efficiency programs
• Agricultural water policy
• Professional water training

Headquarters

HQ city

Mesa

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Membership Dues: ABWC operates as a not-for-profit trade association representing the Arizona agricultural community. Revenue is generated through membership fees from agricultural producers, irrigation districts, water utilities, and business partners.
2. Educational Programs: The Water Management Certificate Program and Master Irrigator Program generate tuition revenue from participants. Cohort XIV for WMCP begins September 2026 and graduates May 2027.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

The Agribusiness & Water Council of Arizona is a not-for-profit trade association that represents the Arizona agricultural community. It provides advocacy for irrigated agriculture and Colorado River water resources, runs educational programs (Water Management Certificate Program with ASU, Master Irrigator Program with University of Arizona, and the Arizona Association of Women in Water & Agriculture), administers the On-Farm Irrigation Efficiency grant program, and hosts annual networking events including the Annual Meeting & Water Conference and H2Open Golf Tournament.

Product overview

The Agribusiness & Water Council of Arizona is a not-for-profit trade association that offers a portfolio of educational programs, advocacy services, grant programs, and networking events for the Arizona agricultural community. Its core programs include the Water Management Certificate Program (WMCP), a professional training program delivered through Arizona State University; the Master Irrigators Program, developed with the University of Arizona; the Arizona Association of Women in Water & Agriculture (AAWWA) for professional networking; and the On-Farm Irrigation Efficiency Program offering grants up to $1 million for water-saving irrigation systems. The organization also hosts annual events including the Water Conference, H2Open Golf Tournament, and Steak & Chuck Dinner, while conducting advocacy for Colorado River protection and Arizona water rights.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Water Management Certificate Program (WMCP): Professional training program for water resource managers developed in collaboration with Arizona State University Morrison School of Agribusiness and Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering
• Arizona Master Irrigators Program
• Arizona Association of Women in Water & Agriculture (AAWWA)

Products and services

• Water Management Certificate Program (WMCP)

Quantifiable outcome

• Increase irrigation water application efficiency by 20% or more
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

19 partnerships are on record, tiered core and moderate.

• National Water Resources Association (NWRA)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 1978ABWC serves as Arizona's Representative to the National Water Resources Association. NWRA is a strong federation of state associations and caucuses representing a broad spectrum of water supply interests. ABWC participates in NWRA's annual conferences, federal water issues conferences, and leadership forums.
• Arizona State University - Morrison School of AgribusinesscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUnique collaboration for the Water Management Certificate Program. Curriculum designed by practitioners of water resources and power management. Classes held at ASU Polytechnic campus. Dr. Troy Schmitz serves as Director of the program.
• Arizona State University - Ira A. Fulton Schools of EngineeringcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborates on the Water Management Certificate Program. Dr. Kiril Hristovski serves as WMCP ASU Director and Program Chair of Environmental and Resource Management Program.
• University of Arizona College of Agriculture, Life & Environmental SciencescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration for the Master Irrigator Program with University of Arizona Cooperative Extension Services. Dr. Jeffrey Silvertooth serves as Associate Dean and Director. Also collaborates on On-Farm Efficiency Program.
• Arizona Department of AgriculturecoreGTM or Marketing PartnerABWC values the partnership between the Arizona Department of Agriculture. Co-hosts the Arizona Agribusiness Roundtable and supports Arizona agriculture legislative visits.
• Yuma County Agriculture Water CoalitioncoreGTM or Marketing PartnerCo-hosts the annual Steak & Chuck Dinner bringing together water interests from all over Arizona. Partnership since at least 2020 with 19th Annual dinner held January 15, 2026.
• Family Farm AlliancecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerABWC members are active participants serving on the board and advisory committees. ABWC Family Farm Alliance Advisory Committee includes Tom Davis, Stephanie Knight-Dubien, Wade Noble, and Bill Plummer. ABWC supports Family Farm Alliance advocacy efforts.
• Colorado River Water Users Association (CRWUA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerABWC Board of Directors and Members attend CRWUA annual conferences. Wade Noble chairs the Resolutions Committee. CRWUA is a non-profit, non-partisan organization for Colorado River use and management.
• Irrigation & Electrical Districts Association of Arizona (IEDA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEDGer members are engaged in management of water and power facilities and delivery of water in Arizona. IEDA members are responsible for delivery of most of AZ entitlement of water from Colorado River. Ed Gerak serves as Executive Director.
• Arizona-Mexico CommissionmoderateStrategic or Co-development PartnerABWC stays up to date on AMC meetings and action plans. Chris Udall participates in Agribusiness & Wildlife Committee discussions on wildlife and agricultural trade issues. Commission celebrated 60th anniversary in 2019.
• Arizona Chamber of CommercemoderateGTM or Marketing PartnerABWC is a proud member of the Arizona Chamber of Commerce, participating in Chamber events and advocacy efforts.
• Maricopa Water DistrictcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMWD organized in 1925, the only privately financed reclamation project of its kind. Provides water and power to approximately 60 square miles. Glen Vortherms serves as General Manager and ABWC Treasurer.
• Yuma County Water Users' AssociationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvides water to Yuma Valley, South of Colorado River to Mexican Border, and West of City of Yuma. Serves approximately 53,000 irrigable acres. Tom Davis serves as General Manager and ABWC President.
• Wellton-Mohawk Irrigation & Drainage DistrictcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocated in Southwestern Arizona in the lower Sonoran Desert. Elston Grubaugh serves as General Manager and ABWC Board member. Elston holds over 40 years of water and power experience.
• Central Arizona Project (CAP)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCAP delivers Colorado River water to central and southern Arizona. Brenda Burman serves as General Manager since January 2023, the first female to lead the organization, previously Commissioner of Bureau of Reclamation.
• Salt River Project (SRP)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSRP is a community-based, not-for-profit organization providing water and power to over 2 million people in central Arizona. Leslie Meyers serves as Chief Water Executive and Associate General Manager of Water Resources.
• RDO WatermoderateTechnology or IntegrationLocated in Yuma, AZ, RDO serves southwest Arizona with irrigation design services, quality products, and superior service. Sponsors AAWWA events and Master Irrigator Program transportation.
• Arizona FFA FoundationmoderateGTM or Marketing PartnerABWC strongly supports Arizona FFA and FFA Foundation. Bronze level sponsor for 2026 Blue & Gold Gala. Chris Udall serves on the Arizona FFA Foundation Board of Trustees.
• Arizona Power AuthoritycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDirects the state's allocation of Hoover Dam electricity. Jordy Fuentes serves as Executive Director and ABWC Board member. Sponsors ABWC events and tours.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• National Water Resources Association: ABWC's parent federation, NWRA is a national federation of state water associations that addresses federal water policy, conservation, and management. ABWC serves as Arizona's state affiliate to NWRA, making it a direct comparable in advocacy mission and constituency.
• Western States Water Council: An interstate governmental agency representing 17 western states on water policy and management. ABWC's Executive Director serves as Chair of the Western States Executive Council, making WSWC a closely aligned multi-state peer in western water advocacy.
• California Farm Bureau Federation: The largest state farm bureau in the western U.S., representing California agricultural producers. While broader in scope than ABWC, it shares the same trade association model and federal/state advocacy mission for irrigated agriculture in the Colorado River watershed.

Direct peers

• Family Farm Alliance: A non-profit organization representing family farmers, ranchers, irrigation districts, and allied industries in the western U.S. ABWC members actively serve on Family Farm Alliance's board and advisory committees, and both organizations collaborate on federal advocacy for irrigated agriculture.
• Arizona Farm Bureau: A general agricultural trade association representing Arizona farmers and ranchers. ABWC focuses narrowly on water and irrigated agriculture while AFB covers broader farm policy; both share overlapping membership and legislative advocacy missions in Arizona.
• Idaho Water Users Association: A state-level water users association representing irrigation districts, municipalities, and agriculture in Idaho. It functions as a direct state-affiliate peer to ABWC with similar mission scope of water rights advocacy, training, and irrigation district support.
• Colorado River Water Users Association (CRWUA): A non-partisan organization dedicated to Colorado River use and management. ABWC board members attend CRWUA conferences, and Wade Noble chairs its Resolutions Committee, making CRWUA a closely aligned peer in advocacy scope and stakeholder base.
• Irrigation & Electrical Districts Association of Arizona (IEDA): An Arizona association of irrigation and electrical districts managing water and power delivery. IEDA members are responsible for delivery of most of Arizona's Colorado River entitlement, making it a direct in-state peer to ABWC in advocacy and district-member representation.

Regional players

• Oregon Water Resources Congress: An Oregon-based association of irrigation districts, water control districts, and improvement districts. It mirrors ABWC's core advocacy and education mandate for irrigation districts in another western state, serving as a comparable state-affiliate peer.
• Pacific Northwest Waterways Association: A non-profit trade association advocating for navigation, economic development, and water resource management in the Pacific Northwest. Comparable to ABWC in trade association structure and federal advocacy mission, though focused on a different geography and waterway.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/abwcaz
• Facebookfacebook.com/ABWCAZ

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Agribusiness & Water Council Of Arizona