ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Phoenix, Arizona
Purpose
Continues the Department of
Agriculture until July 1, 2011.
Background
The Arizona Department of Agriculture
(Department) was created by Laws 1989, Chapter 162 to provide for a uniform and
coordinated agriculture program 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 the agricultural 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 Office of the Auditor
General (OAG) 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 OAG staff and to take testimony from the
Department and the public. The COR
recommended the Department be continued for ten years.
The
state general fund appropriation for the Department for FY 2000-2001 is $12.3
million.
Provisions
1. Continues the Department of Agriculture, including all divisions, offices, councils and committees of the Department until July 1, 2011.
2. Contains a retroactive effective date of July 1, 2001.
House Action
NRA 1/17/01 DP 9-0-0-1
3rd Read 1/24/01 DP 59-0-1-0
Prepared by Senate Staff
January 30, 2001