Arizona Agriculture Connection-Ag Report 6.18.25

Understanding the Arizona Agriculture Budget: Key Updates and Community Involvement Opportunities

Welcome back, Arizona Aggies! Today, we're diving deep into the latest updates from Arizona Agriculture Connection. As summer heats up, so do discussions at the Capitol regarding the state budget, with a crucial deadline looming. By June 30th, the budget must be passed to prevent a potential government shutdown. Last week, the House unveiled their proposed budget, and the Senate is preparing to release theirs. Here’s what you need to know about the current proposals impacting agriculture in our state.

Budget Highlights and Proposed Allocations

The Yuma Center for Excellence in Desert Agriculture is set to receive $2.75 million from the General Fund. Meanwhile, the Arizona Cooperative Extension stands to gain over $15 million, maintaining last year's figures, though it excludes Healthy Arizona funding. Without this extension, a 30% budget cut looms, threatening 40 staff and faculty positions. It's a critical juncture that requires immediate action, and details on how to get involved are available on our website.

The Natural Resource Users Law and Policy Center is designated to receive $1.5 million. Further, over $18 million is allocated to the Department of Agriculture from various funds, enabling the hiring of five new full-time livestock brand inspectors and the development of an upgraded licensing system.

In terms of water conservation, more than $15 million is slated for efforts such as groundwater recharge restoration, water quality fund deposits, defense of Colorado River water rights, rural water studies, and drought programming. Additionally, $27 million is earmarked for wildfire prevention, including automated groundwater monitoring and fire mitigation. Emergency response efforts will receive $65 million, with an extra $3 million directed toward incident management grants.

Revitalizing the Arizona Grown Program

The Arizona Department of Agriculture is keen to rejuvenate the Arizona Grown Program, and your input is crucial. A webinar, scheduled for June 26th from 10 to 11:00 AM, will allow you to participate in shaping the program's roadmap. Visit our website for the webinar link.

Opportunities for Policy Development

It's that time of year again—policy development time! We invite you to join us for important meetings. Today, June 18th, the meeting will take place at the University of Arizona Scottsdale Center at 11:00 AM. Alternatively, you can attend the next gathering on June 25th at Rudy's Barbecue in Goodyear. These sessions provide the perfect platform to raise issues facing Maricopa County Agriculture and to begin the policy process.

Thank you for tuning into this week's Ag report. Join us next Wednesday as we discuss National Dairy Month with the Dairy Council of Arizona. Stay informed and involved to make the most of these opportunities!