rafted Growers™ was developed in the top ranked McGuire Center for Entrepreneurship in the Eller College of Management at the University of Arizona. Through consistent and dedicated work while in graduate school, the co-founders were able to transform a venture concept into reality – what is now a full production agriculture technology company.

“Owners John Jackson ’00 ’13 and Ricardo Hernandez ’12 met in the highly ranked McGuire Program for Entrepreneurship at the UA, where they began collaborating on their idea for Grafted Growers™. Hernandez received his Ph.D. from the School of Plant Sciences and Jackson received his MBA from the Eller College of Management.”
– UA Alumni Association, University of Arizona

Working through the rigorous one-year program, Dr. Ricardo Hernandez and John Jackson, M.B.A. conceptualized and validated the idea of a 100% controlled environment horticulture business in vegetable plant grafting. Realizing the need for cost effective propagation of high quality grafted trans-plants, Grafted Growers™ combined technology and agriculture to create the perfect solution.

“Had we not had the early support and recognition from the ecosystem in Arizona, our company would’ve not be where it is today. Today, we’re able to support other entrepreneurs and encourage innovation at partner institutions.”
– John Jackson, Co-Founder and CEO