In an intense policy development session this November at the Annual Meeting in Phoenix, Farm Bureau members from every corner of Arizona gathered to shape the roadmap that will define our advocacy in 2026 and beyond. Bringing the unmatched insight that comes from living and working on the land every single day, our delegates tackled the toughest issues facing agriculture today, from skyrocketing input costs and property taxes to labor shortages, trade barriers, water security, and regulatory overreach.

Guided by the clear directives that emerged from those discussions, the Arizona Farm Bureau Board of Directors has adopted an ambitious yet achievable set of 2026 policy priorities. These priorities will serve as our north star as we work tirelessly, at the state Capitol, in Congress, and with regulatory agencies, to turn member-driven solutions into law and policy.

Make no mistake: the challenges ahead are significant. But with the unity, expertise, and determination of Arizona’s farm and ranch families behind us, we are more than ready to seize every opportunity, overcome every obstacle, and deliver real victories for agriculture in the year ahead

Arizona Farm Bureau's flagship issues include:

Water Management
 Farm Bureau will advocate for agriculture's critical role in Arizona's water discussions. As state leaders seek improvements in water management, we will ensure that both the value of water to agriculture and agriculture’s contribution to the state are prioritized.

Arizona Farm Bureau will work to advance key water legislation while advocating for broader long-term solutions to water availability prioritizing agricultures access. 

Arizona Farm Bureau will continue to remain engaged in the Post 2026 Colorado River negotiations, working to protect agricultures interest.

Tax Policy
 Arizona Farm Bureau will work to keep taxes low for agricultural businesses, advocating for favorable tax classifications and sales tax treatments that recognize agriculture's unique value. 

Arizona Farm Bureau will play a key role in protecting the agriculture property tax valuation while seeking ways to ensure a consistent interpretation of current statute.  

Transportation
 We believe deregulating Arizona’s transportation industry, excluding safety and licensing, is vital for agricultural success. Farm Bureau will advocate streamlined inspections and oppose unnecessary regulations, while also promoting infrastructure investments, especially in rural areas, to ensure efficient product distribution.

Trade
 With over 95% of potential consumers outside the U.S., unburdened trade is essential. Farm Bureau will seek new trade opportunities for Arizona's agricultural products, leveraging our strong agricultural market ties.

Labor Reform
 Farm Bureau will advocate for effective labor reforms tailored to agriculture’s needs.

Farm Policy
 We will push for policies that empower farmers and ranchers to produce safe, affordable food amidst market uncertainties, natural disasters and disease outbreaks.

Land Use & Environmental Regulation
 Farm Bureau supports farmers and ranchers as stewards of natural resources, advocating for accessible land and water without excessive regulatory burdens.


Short-Term Goals

Over the next year, Arizona Farm Bureau will focus on embedding our policy priorities into legislation and regulation.
 

Agriculture’s Access to Water 

  • Promote Balanced and Practical Water Management
         Engage in the development and implementation of Active Management Areas (AMAs) and Irrigation Non-Expansion Areas (INAs) to protect agricultural interests and ensure regulations remain practical and consistent with law.
  • Colorado River

Protect agriculture’s access to Colorado river water. 

Affordable and Reliable Power

  • Arizona Farm Bureau will advocate to ensure rural communities and agriculture have robust access to affordable and reliable electricity, including preference hydropower.

Arizona Department of Agriculture

  • Strengthen Agricultural Resources and Capacity
     Advocate for adequate staffing, funding, and infrastructure to support Arizona’s agricultural programs and services.
  • Enhance Livestock Health and Market Access
     Expand local processing options and continue collaborative efforts to address animal health issues such as Bovine Trichomoniasis and the Screwworm outbreak.

University of Arizona – Cooperative Extension Services & Agricultural Experiment Stations

  • Advocate for adequate and long-term reoccurring funding.
  • Collaborate with University and College of Agriculture leadership to help shape priorities. 

Off-highway Vehicles (OHV)

  • Collaborative Solutions

Work closely with industry partners, land managers, and the OHV Study Committee to develop balanced, practical solutions addressing the growing challenges of OHV use in Arizona.

  • Protect and Sustain Communities

Prioritize strategies that safeguard private and public lands, encourage responsible recreation, support law enforcement and educational programs.

Farm Bill Advocacy

  • Advance a Modernized Farm Bill
     Advocate for passage of a modernized 5-year Farm Bill that reflects current agricultural realities and supports long-term stability for producers.

Mexican Wolf 

  • Secure Federal Support: Advocate for adequate USDA resources to provide technical assistance, mitigation programs, and funding to livestock producers impacted by the Mexican Wolf.
  • Advance Practical Solutions: Promote balanced, science-based management strategies for the Mexican wolf, including a “pay-for-presence” model.
  • Support Species Management Independence: Encourage the delinking of the U.S. and Mexico wolf populations to allow for clear, regionally based management with the long-term goal of achieving recovery and delisting.

State and Federal Lands

  • Protect Agricultural Use of Public Lands
     Safeguard agricultural leases on state lands and ensure renewable energy development aligns with existing agricultural operations.
  • Strengthen Federal Collaboration on Grazing and Resource Management
     Work with federal agencies to increase and maintain grazing access, improve rangeland, forest health and watersheds. 
  • Enhance Wildfire Preparedness and Recovery
     Advance strategies that improve wildfire response, mitigation, and recovery efforts.

Agricultural Labor

  • Advance Comprehensive Federal Labor Reform
     Advocate for broad, bipartisan labor reform that ensures a stable, legal, and reliable agricultural workforce while addressing the unique needs of U.S. and Arizona farmers and ranchers.
  • Promote Practical Regulatory Solutions
     Support reforms within the regulatory framework that reduce compliance burdens and improve the efficiency of agricultural labor programs.

Regulatory Reform

  • Farm Bureau will prioritize and engage in federal regulatory reform forthcoming under this administration. 
  • Engage in state regulatory reform to ensure regulations are practical and economically feasible.