department of agriculture;
sunset continuation.
Continues the Arizona Department of Agriculture for ten years.
The Arizona Department of Agriculture was created by laws 1989, Chapter 162 to provide for a uniform and coordinated agriculture program and policies in the state. Prior to its formation, the duties of the Department were carried out by four smaller state agencies: the Commission of Agriculture and Horticulture; the Arizona Livestock Board; the State Egg Inspection Board and the State Dairy Commissioner.
The Department is mandated to regulate all aspects of agricultural production and processing within the state, educate industry to foster compliance with applicable regulations, promote the general welfare of the agricultural community, inform the consumer and protect the public health and safety.
The Auditor General’s Office conducted a performance audit of seven of the ten programs of the Department in 2000. The Senate and House of Representatives Committees of Reference (COR) held a public hearing to review the recommendations of the Auditor General’s staff and to take testimony from the Department and the public. The COR recommended the Department be continued for 10 years.