Arizona Department of Agriculture

Arizona’s agricultural industry is a vital part of the state’s economy, ranking 13th in the U.S. for agricultural production. Arizona agriculture contributes $30.9B to the state’s economy. The state is a major producer of diverse crops like lettuce, spinach, melons, citrus, cotton, forage, tree nuts and dates, while livestock, including beef and dairy, also plays a crucial role. The Arizona Department of Agriculture (AZDA), a cabinet-level agency established in 1991, is tasked with regulating and promoting agriculture while protecting the public. Its mission is to protect the health and safety of Arizona consumers, advance and support the state’s agriculture, and safeguard commerce. To further this mission, the AZDA administers various grant programs, which provide essential funding to enhance the competitiveness and sustainability of local producers. The AZDA operates with approximately 300 full-time employees and a total budget of $44 million for 2025. The budget is funded primarily through industry licenses and fees (60%), with additional support from the General Fund (30%) and federal funds (10%).