A Legacy of Excellence: 
Ed Curry’s Vision

For over five decades, Ed Curry has been at the forefront of chile seed genetics, revolutionizing the industry through scientific breeding, sustainability, and a deep respect for farming tradition. As a fourth-generation farmer and the founder of Curry Seed & Chile Co., his work has led to the development of high-yield, disease-resistant, and consistently flavorful chile varieties that are used across the globe.



A Farmer at Heart, A Pioneer in the Field

Ed Curry was raised on his family’s farm in Pearce, Arizona, where he developed a passion for chile farming at an early age. Inspired by the legacy of his parents and his mentor, Phil Villa, a renowned chile breeder, Ed dedicated his life to improving chile seed genetics.
In 1976, he founded Curry Seed & Chile Co., setting out to create chile varieties that would offer farmers reliable yields, uniform heat levels, and improved resilience to climate and disease. Today, his seeds account for over 95% of the commercially grown chile crops in the U.S., with global influence reaching Mexico, South Africa, and Israel.

"You need to do what you like to do in life . . . I love what I do."  

-Ed Curry

Career Achievements & Industry Leadership

  • Developed Industry-Leading Chile Varieties – Including Arizona 20, Machete, 1904, and Matador, which have become agricultural standards.
  • Recipient of the 2024 University of Arizona College of Agriculture, Life, and Environmental Sciences, Eugene G. Sander Lifetime Achievement Award – Honored for his expertise, foresight, and leadership making him an invaluable resource and a pioneer in modern food systems.
  • Recognized as the 2022 Agriculturalist of the Year by AZ FFA – Honored for his contributions to the farming community.
  • Chairman of the 2022 International Pepper Conference – Acknowledged for his leadership in chile seed innovation.
  • Advocate for Sustainable Agriculture – Promotes soil health, rotational farming, and water conservation in modern farming.
  • Holds a Guinness World Record – Grew the heaviest chile pepper ever recorded in 2009.
  • Influences Farming Policy – Appointed to Arizona’s Water Policy Council in 2023, helping shape sustainable water use for agriculture.

A Vision for the Future

Despite his many accomplishments, Ed remains a lifelong student of agriculture, constantly looking for ways to improve farming efficiency, sustainability, and seed performance. His dedication ensures that Curry Farms will continue to lead the chile industry for generations to come.

Ed’s Commitment to Farmers

More than just a scientist and entrepreneur, Ed Curry is a farmer first. He understands the challenges that growers face and works tirelessly to provide solutions that empower farmers to succeed.
Through Curry Farms, Curry Seed & Chile Co., Stronghold Bean LLC, and Arizona Chile Products LLC, Ed continues to expand his impact—helping farmers grow better crops, improve soil health, and sustain the land for the future.

Follow Ed’s Journey & Innovations

Want to learn more about Ed Curry’s work and contributions to the industry? Connect with us and explore how his innovations are shaping the future of farming
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