Agriculture in Arizona
From irrigated croplands to open rangelands, Arizona agriculture feeds communities, supports rural livelihoods, and sustains generations of stewardship. The NRULPC helps farmers and ranchers navigate the legal and policy challenges shaping their operations and the future of agriculture in Arizona.
Arizona’s farms provide food, fiber, jobs, and economic opportunities while sustaining rural communities and agricultural traditions. Farmers face significant challenges, including water scarcity, drought and extreme heat, rising production costs, labor shortages, and complex legal and regulatory requirements. Arizona's farmers and agricultural business play a vital role in feeding communities across the country and stewarding the land and water resources that support agricultural production.
The NRULPC supports Arizona farmers, ranchers, land managers and other agriculture users navigate shifting regulation and policy, apply legal and scientific research, and collaborate across boundaries.
Generating $30.9 billion in economic activity
Arizona agriculture and agribusiness generated an estimated $30.9 billion in sales-based economic activity in 2022, including direct activity and multiplier effects throughout the economy.
Supporting 126,000 jobs across Arizona
Arizona's agriculture and agribusiness system supported approximately 126,000 jobs in 2022, including employment supported through its broader economic effects.
Producing 90% of U.S. winter leafy greens
The Yuma region produces 90% of the leafy greens grown in the United States during winter, underscoring Arizona's critical role in the national food supply.
Managing over 2,200 Active Grazing Permits & Leases
Across the BLM, USFS, and Arizona State Trust lands there are more than 2,200 active grazing and agriculture permits across Arizona, totaling more than 20 million acres of land.
Federal Grazing Policy Workshops
In partnership with the Cooperative Extension and Arizona Association of Conservation Districts, the NRULPC is organizing a series of workshops across Arizona to support ranchers and land managers navigate recent changes to USDA and BLM regulations and policy shifts.
Upcoming workshop
November 9, 2026 | 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Deep Well Ranch | Prescott, Arizona
Agricultural resources
The NRULPC'S NEPA for Ranchers Handbook explains the National Environmental Policy Act and its relevance to ranching on federal lands. It helps ranchers understand environmental review and opportunities to participate in decisions affecting their operations. The NRULPC is currently reviewing the NEPA for Ranchers Handbook and will be issuing a second edition in late 2026.
The NRULPC's Federal Appeals Handbook introduces the processes available to challenge federal agency decisions affecting natural resource use. It helps readers understand their options and navigate the appeals process. The NRULPC is currently reviewing the Federal Appeals Handbook and will be issuing a second edition in late 2026.
This NRULPC memo highlights revisions to federal grazing programs and their potential implications for livestock producers and land managers. It provides an accessible overview of the changes and key considerations for grazing management on federal lands.
Have a question or want to learn more about our work on agriculture?
Contact Taylor Bowen with questions about navigating regulatory and policy hurdles, to request resources and presentations, or opportunities to partner and engage with us.
Email Taylor Bowen
Supporting farmers and agriculture users
Our team of experts work across a broad range of agriculture issues, bridging science, law, and policy. We support farmers and agriculture users navigate shifting policy, law, and regulation so that they may responsibly manage public lands, produce food and fiber, and be more profitable and productive. Some areas we engage on:
