Arizona Agriculture Connection Ep. 6-MCFB Ag Report

Advocacy and Involvement: A Busy Month for Arizona Agriculture

Welcome back, Arizona Aggies, to another update from the Arizona Agriculture Connection! As we navigate through an inspiring month, let's dive into what's been happening in the agriculture world, particularly in Maricopa County. Our community has seen significant strides made through legislative efforts and community involvement to support the growth and sustainability of agriculture in our region.

Legislative Efforts in Arizona

Plenty is happening on the legislative front. Stakeholder groups are vigorously pursuing pathways that address critical agricultural topics. Key bills under consideration include House Bill 2572, spurred by Representative Gail Griffin, and Senate Bill 1520, sponsored by Senator Tim Dunn. These bills focus on water support, vital to the sustainment of our agricultural practices. Additionally, OHV (Off-Highway Vehicle) regulation is addressed in Senate Bill 1517, also championed by Senator Dunn.

The success of these efforts relies heavily on the active support from our agriculture community. Your voices are crucial for legislation that advances our shared interests. Keep an eye on your emails for advocacy opportunities related to these bills.

Community Involvement and Events

While legislation is a significant focus, Maricopa County's agricultural community extends its influence through active engagement and networking. The Maricopa County Farm Bureau has been particularly busy, with initiatives spearheaded by the Women's Leadership Committee. Their monthly PEAL meetup, held on February 13th at Arizona Wilderness, is a platform dedicated to promoting, educating, advocating, and learning - PEAL.

This month, Krista Paffrath delivered an insightful presentation on agriculture in the media, emphasizing the importance of sharing our stories with a broader audience.

Moreover, our young farmers and ranchers joined forces with Surprise Stadium and United Food Bank in their mission to Strikeout Hunger. Their efforts successfully amassed over 150 cans of non-perishable food items and monetary donations, providing crucial support to United Food Bank. Participants were rewarded with lawn tickets, enjoying a day of baseball as the San Francisco Giants took on the Texas Rangers.

Upcoming Opportunities

Looking ahead, the Women's Leadership Committee will revisit the Capitol on March 13th for Pi Day, advocating for agriculture and raising awareness among elected officials. March also heralds our much-anticipated annual Farm City Breakfast. This event spans three days, each session offering community members the chance to learn about Maricopa County's agriculture and engage with local elected officials. Each event is conveniently located across the East, West, and North Valley to accommodate diverse schedules.

To RSVP for these events and explore more opportunities, visit our website at MaricopaCountyFB.org.