Todd Fitchette Paul Brierley is the executive director of the Yuma Center of Excellence for Desert Agriculture. Paul Brierley oversees the Yuma Center of Excellence for Desert Agriculture and attracts donors willing to fund research projects. In a world of shrinking Extension budgets and the need to move quickly on programs to aid commercial farmers, a public/private partnership was borne five years ago to address the unique needs of produce growers in the Yuma, Ariz. region. Through the collaboration and research available with the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension, and donations by local produce growers, the Yuma Center of Excellence for Desert Agriculture came about to meet the fast-moving needs of Yuma area farmers. With its formation, YCEDA hired Paul Brierley to oversee the program and attract donors willing to fund research projects.