Issue Position: Agriculture

Issue Position

Before Arizona statehood, agriculture was a leading industry. When the framers of Arizona's constitution designed the state seal, they wanted to depict thriving industries to put Arizona on the map. They would include Roosevelt Dam, irrigated fields, orchards, and grazing cattle as well as a miner and a quartz mill. The 5 C's of Arizona was established, three of which pertained directly to agriculture.

Today, Arizona agriculture contributes $17 billion to the state's economy. Our farmers and ranchers have made desert agriculture one of the finest in the world. Always mindful of the environment, water use, and animal care, they have been able to produce more food while using less water, less land, and fewer animals. Efficiency and technology is the name of the game.

If I sound a little proud of our farmers and ranchers, it's because I am! I married into a third generation dairy farm family. Agriculture is my deepest passion and I am very thankful and humbled to be part of it.

LD 13 boasts of some of the most diverse agriculture in our state. Yuma is the leafy green capitol of the nation from December through April. Many dairies, irrigated farms, specialty crops, and cattle ranches reside in the district.
It has been estimated that Arizona agriculture provides approximately 77,000 jobs related to agriculture.
It will be my top priority to ensure that agriculture is recognized as a primary industry, without which, secondary industries would not exist.

I will work diligently to make sure famers and ranchers have full access to their allocated water supply and protect their water rights. Feeding a hungry and growing population is being done by fewer than 2% of our population. I will be a strong and outspoken voice for these amazing men and women who work 24/7 providing our state, nation, and world with sustenance for life.

Source