Guide to Arizona Agriculture December 2018 From seed funding to sustainable growth, every economy has its roots in agriculture. The importance of agriculture and its contributions to the citizens and the state of Arizona cannot be overlooked. Agriculture is estimated to be a $23.3 billion industry, resulting in the creation of 138,000 jobs. Representing three of Arizona’s “5 C’s” – cattle, citrus and cotton – agriculture is a fountain of economic opportunity for tens of thousands of Arizonans and a source of sustenance for millions more. My pride in our state’s agricultural achievements has no words. Arizona is the 3rd largest producing state for fresh market vegetables, and it is 4th in the country in acres of organic vegetables. Arizona-grown fresh produce shipped 112 million cartons last year. And we’re still leaders in making the country shine – our beautiful rosebushes will represent 75% of the national market in the near future. Douglas A. Ducey Additionally, our state produced 455.7 million pounds of red meat and more than 4.2 billion pounds Governor, State of Arizona of milk. Arizona takes pride in our farmers and ranchers and is always striving to lessen their regulatory burdens so that citizens can pursue their dreams, expand their operations, and reach for the stars. The Grand Canyon State has one of the lowest corporate tax structures, touts a young and healthy work force, and is the national model when other states need new ideas. So, whether a business decides to begin in this great state, expand here, or relocate from somewhere else, Arizona is open for business. If you’re looking to learn more about our state’s agriculture industries, find information that can enhance your life, or considering relocating to Arizona, this Guide to Arizona Agriculture is for you. Enjoy. December 2018 Did you know, Arizona’s agriculture industry generated $23.3 billion to our state’s economy and directly and indirectly supported more than 138,000 full and part-time jobs, employing more than 162,000 unique workers? Did you know that Arizona grows some of the best alfalfa, red durum wheat (for pasta) and pecans? Arizona is the second leading producer of cantaloupes, honeydews, pistachios and dates for the nation. Did you know that Yuma, Arizona is the “Winter Salad Bowl” capitol of the United States – when it provides 90% of all leafy greens to the nation? Did you know Arizona agricultural producers export to over 70 countries? Not only does agriculture supply our food, it’s vital to the Arizona economy, and provides open space, wildlife Mark W. Killian Director, AZ Dept of Agriculture habitat and efforts to protect and conserve our natural resources. As Thomas Jefferson stated, “Agriculture is our wisest pursuit because it will in the end contribute most to real wealth, good morals and happiness.” A large part of the Arizona Department of Agriculture’s (AZDA) mission is to support and promote agriculture in this great state. We take that job seriously. If you are interested in learning about Arizona agriculture, we can help. The Guide to Arizona Agriculture provides you with a well-rounded perspective into Arizona agriculture and illustrates how vital it is to society. Contact the AZDA at agriculture.az.gov to learn more about agriculture and the AZDA. Sincerely, Contents Open for Business 6 Arizona Wine Growers Association 22 Water in the Desert 7 Arizona Pecan Growers Association 23 Arizona Agriculture 8 Arizona Nursery Association 24 Indigenous Farmers 10 Arizona Cotton Growers Association 25 Arizona Farm Bureau 13 Arizona Grain Research & Promotion Council 26 Arizona Beef Council 14 Education 28 Arizona Cattlemen’s Association 15 Cooperative Extension 30 Dairy Associations 16 Youth 31 Egg Producers 17 Food Safety 32 Agribusiness & Water Council of Arizona 18 Arizona Harvest Schedule 34 Arizona Leafy Greens 19 Exports 37 Western Growers 20 Department 38 Yuma Fresh Vegetable Association 21 Partners 40 Open for Business The Grand Canyon State boasts natural beauty and Arizona has one of the lowest corporate wonderful weather. It also provides an excellent climate tax structures in place at the rate of 4.9%. for business. Located in the Southwest, Arizona has access to international and interstate markets, many within a Businesses find tax credit programs for manufacturing, day’s drive. The competitive tax structure and available research and development, renewable energy and the workforce add to the benefits for Arizona business. creation of quality jobs. Quality jobs are defined by the areas in which the business locates, based on average The well-planned infrastructure provides wages and health insurance. quick access for products to quickly go to market, as well as for supplies to come The state’s workforce tops 3 million and into the state. Arizona offers more than 66,000 miles has a relatively young median age of 37. of highways, over 40 public transit systems, two Class I It is a Right to Work state and has some of railroads and more than 80 airports. Companies have the lowest labor costs in the country. access to 65 million consumers through the transportation system. The state’s location gives proximity to some of Whether a business decides to start, expand or relocate, the world’s largest economies – Texas, Mexico and Arizona is Open for Business. California as well as shipping ports on the West Coast. 6 Water in the Desert There are four deserts in the Grand Canyon State leading industrial, tribal and environmental users. many people to believe there is no available water in the state. Truthfully, Arizona acknowledged the water situation Leaders at all levels of government and the decades ago and planned for growth and protected its private sector have taken action for the water resources. sustainable use of Arizona’s water supply. The state is blessed with a network of rivers and streams Other efforts provide storage capabilities including the Colorado, Verde, Salt, Gila, San Pedro, Santa above and below ground in an effort to Cruz and Little Colorado Rivers. There are also many save for future needs. tributaries that contribute to those rivers. Each watershed connects communities that are dependent on their flows Agriculture uses water the same way it uses the land. for sustaining life and agriculture. Modern technology helps farmers and ranchers use what they need and no more. Water not used in the fields The past provides a foundation for efficient use and returns to the rivers and storage. Most importantly the conservation of water. The Hohokam and other indigenous water used by agriculture is not wasted; it provides food people used canals to divert water for crops and sustain and fiber to the people of Arizona, the United States and communities. Modern water leaders work to share many other countries. the water among various users: agricultural, municipal, 7 Arizona Agriculture Long before Arizona was a state, and before there was a Since then, producers have found the diversity of United States, agriculture thrived in the region. Agriculture’s Arizona’s climate and soil supports hundreds of food history in the Grand Canyon State stretches back more crops, beautiful landscaped plants, poultry, swine and than 4,000 years. Archaeological records show Indigenous cattle for dairy and meat. Arizona agriculture exports people growing gardens to sustain their families. vegetables, fruit, nuts, seeds, wheat, hay, cotton, eggs, beef and milk to 70 countries and across the U.S. When explorers traveled through the state in the early 19th century, they found people growing corn, wheat, Today, agriculture in Arizona contributes barley and raising cattle. They also found one of the most more than $23.3 billion to the state’s amazing irrigation systems, one that is still used today. economy. One study puts the number The Hohokam people built the canals to move water from the Gila and Salt Rivers to their fields. The canals of jobs supported by agriculture at were engineered to move the water at the correct speed approximately 138,000, and the number to maintain the flow, without clogging the canals with of workers employed at 162,000. silt and debris. 8 Some of the many people that make agriculture work The state also boasts a growing nut and date crop industry. in Arizona include field workers, harvest crews, Pistachio trees have a small presence in the Grand Canyon distributors, farmers, ranchers, fertilizer and pesticide State, but the pecan business is developing quickly. The state suppliers, scientists, engineers, fuel companies and has the largest pecan grove in the country and the largest equipment dealers. date plantation in the world. Arizona’s climate provides year-round growing for hundreds The animal industry, led by cattle ranching, dairy and dairy of types of crops. Besides crops such as cotton, alfalfa production, is the largest agricultural sector. The egg and wheat, Arizona farmers raise numerous specialty crops. industry is growing as companies see the excellent The specialty crop sector includes thousands of varieties economic opportunities. There are also facilities licensed from nursery plants to the fresh vegetables eaten every day. for growing fish and shrimp. Leafy greens, cabbage, dates, melons, lemons, oranges, apples, potatoes and tomatoes are just some foods harvested from Arizona’s nourishing soil. 9 Indigenous Farmers Indigenous farmers predate Arizona statehood by several The largest use of the agricultural land is used for hundred years, with some areas going back centuries. animals including beef cattle, sheep, goats, fish and other The United States Department of Agriculture National animal products. Agriculture Statistics Service’s census from 2012 paints a picture of indigenous farming and ranching. They grow a variety of crops including, but not limited to alfalfa, hay, corn, cotton, wheat, citrus, olives and Currently there are 18,475 indigenous potatoes.