Arizona’s agricultural landscape is as diverse and vibrant as the state itself, a blend of sprawling large-scale operations and small farms that together nourish communities and fuel local economies. Whether large farms or small, in Arizona 96% of them are family-owned and operated.

The USDA’s 2022 Census of Agriculture paints a compelling picture of Arizona’s farming sector, highlighting both the resilience of its large farms and the influence of direct-to-consumer markets. For Arizona families, this means an exciting opportunity to connect with local food systems, support farmers, and savor the fruits of the state’s unique agricultural heritage.

In the most recent episode of KTAR’s Rosie on the House, we focused on our direct market, or retail, farm families featuring guest Ashlee Mortimer of Mortimer Farms.

From bustling farmers’ markets in Phoenix and Tucson to innovative Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) programs, Arizona’s farms—both small and large—are weaving a rich tapestry of food production and community engagement.

The Heart of Arizona Agriculture: A Diverse Farming Landscape

Arizona’s agriculture is a powerhouse, generating $5.2 billion in agricultural product sales in 2022 across 16,710 farms, according to the 2022 Census of Agriculture. While large-scale family farms dominate, contributing 83% of sales from just 177 farms with revenues of $5 million or more, the state’s smaller farms play an equally vital role in fostering community connections through direct-to-consumer sales. These smaller operations, often grossing less than $5,000 annually, make up over 70% of Arizona’s farms, accounting for just 0.2% of total agricultural sales. Despite their modest economic footprint, these farms are the heartbeat of Arizona’s direct-market sector, bringing fresh, locally grown produce directly to families through farmers’ markets, on-farm stores, CSAs and even Internet sales.

The state’s arid climate shapes its agricultural identity, with crops like cotton, hay, alfalfa and livestock dominating large-scale production. Yet, Arizona’s smaller farms are diversifying the foodscape, growing everything from crisp vegetables to juicy citrus fruits and offering families access to fresh, local foods. The 2022 Census highlights a national trend of consolidation, with Arizona losing 12% of its farms since 2017 (from 19,086 to 16,710), particularly small farms with sales under $1,000. Despite this decline, the growth in direct-to-consumer and wholesale markets signals a promising future for Arizona families seeking local, sustainable food options.

Direct-to-Consumer Markets: Connecting Farms to Families

One of the most exciting aspects of Arizona’s agricultural scene is the rise of direct-to-consumer sales over the last several decades, which allow families to forge direct relationships with the farmers who grow their food. In 2022, 751 Arizona farms sold $20.2 million worth of agricultural products directly to consumers, down from $26.6 million across 826 farms in 2017. While the number of farms engaged in direct sales dipped, the passion for local food remains strong, with farmers’ markets, on-farm stores, u-pick operations, CSAs, and online marketplaces thriving across the state.

According to the USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) distribution lists, Arizona boasts 95 farmers’ markets, 11 CSAs, 10 on-farm markets, and 3 food hubs, primarily concentrated in Central and Southern Arizona, especially around Phoenix and Tucson. These venues are more than just places to shop, they’re vibrant community hubs where families can meet farmers, learn about farming practices, and discover the stories behind their food. For example, a family visiting the Uptown Farmers Market in Phoenix might pick up heirloom tomatoes from a small farm in the Verde Valley or artisanal honey from a local beekeeper.

U-pick operations, like Schnepf Farms in Queen Creek or Mortimer Farms in Dewey-Humbolt, offer a fun, hands-on experience where kids can pluck peaches straight from the tree, fostering a deeper appreciation for where food comes from.

Nationally, direct-to-consumer sales grew by 25% from 2017 to 2022, reaching $17.5 billion, and Arizona is riding this wave. The state’s direct-market channels cater to families seeking fresh, locally sourced products, from unprocessed fruits and vegetables to value-added goods like jams, salsas, and baked goods. Online marketplaces have also gained traction, allowing busy families to order farm-fresh produce for delivery or pickup, blending convenience with the charm of local agriculture.

Wholesale and Food Hubs: Scaling Up Local Food

Beyond direct-to-consumer sales, Arizona farms are making significant strides in supplying local and regionally branded products to retail markets, institutions, and food hubs. In 2022, 373 Arizona farms sold an impressive $244.5 million worth of agricultural products through these channels, up from $231.3 million by 187 farms in 2017. This growth reflects a burgeoning demand for locally sourced food in schools, restaurants, and grocery stores, offering Arizona families more ways to access homegrown products.

Food hubs, which aggregate and distribute products from multiple farms, are a key part of this ecosystem. Arizona’s three food hubs play a critical role in connecting small and mid-sized farms with larger markets, ensuring that local produce reaches consumers efficiently.

For instance, a Tucson school might serve carrots grown by a nearby farm, thanks to a food hub’s coordination. This not only supports local farmers but also ensures that Arizona families, especially children, enjoy nutritious, fresh meals. Nationally, sales to retail outlets, institutions, and intermediate markets like food hubs surged by 33.2% to $14.2 billion, with the number of farms participating more than doubling to 60,332, underscoring the potential for scalability of local food systems.

Small Farms: The Soul of Arizona’s Direct Markets

Small farms, defined as those with sales of $50,000 or less, are the backbone of Arizona’s direct-to-consumer markets. Nationally, these farms make up 74% of all operations but contribute just 2% of total agricultural sales, and Arizona mirrors this trend. Over 70% of the state’s farms gross less than $5,000 annually, and these small operations are the most likely to engage in direct sales. They’re the ones staffing stalls at farmers’ markets, hosting u-pick events, or packing CSA boxes with seasonal delights like zucchini, melons, or pecans.

These small farms face challenges, as evidenced by the loss of 9 out of 10 farms that shut down between 2017 and 2022 having sales under $1,000. Yet, their persistence is a testament to their passion and the support of Arizona families.

Many small-scale farmers rely on off-farm income, with 42% of Arizona’s 29,100 producers reporting a primary occupation other than farming. This resilience allows them to continue growing food for local communities, even in the face of economic pressures and the state’s challenging climate.

Large Farms: The Economic Engine

While small farms shine in direct markets, Arizona’s large-scale, family-owned farms are the economic engine of the state’s agricultural sector. Just 177 farms with sales of $5 million or more accounted for 83% of Arizona’s $5.2 billion in agricultural sales in 2022, while 433 farms with sales of $1 million or more contributed 94%. These operations, often specializing in cotton, hay, or livestock, leverage Arizona’s unique climate to produce high-value crops and products that feed not just the state but the nation. Often, families don’t consider hay to be a food crop, however, for livestock it is: alfalfa hay feeds dairy and beef cattle where our dairy products and quality beef come from.

Large farms also play a role in local food systems, particularly through wholesale channels. For example, a large dairy farm might supply milk to a regional food hub, which then distributes it to Arizona schools or grocery stores. This synergy between large and small farms ensures that Arizona families have access to a wide range of local products, from staple crops to specialty items.

Native Producers and Cultural Contributions

Arizona’s agricultural story is enriched by its Native producers, particularly those on reservations. The 2022 Census notes that crop production values for Native producers nearly doubled from $1.43 billion in 2017 to $2.78 billion in 2022. Some of these producers participate in direct sales, bringing traditional crops like tepary beans, squash, and corn to local markets.

For Arizona families, this offers a chance to explore indigenous foods and support Native farmers, whose practices are deeply rooted in the state’s history and culture.

Challenges and Opportunities

The 2022 Census reveals challenges for Arizona’s agricultural sector, particularly the decline in small farms, which are critical to direct-market activities. The state’s aging farmer population, with an average age of 60.1 years (compared to the national average of 58.1), raises questions about succession and the future of farming. Additionally, the concentration of direct-market venues in urban areas like Phoenix and Tucson leaves rural Northern Arizona with fewer options, a gap that could be addressed through mobile markets or expanded food hubs.

Yet, opportunities abound. The growth in wholesale and food hub sales suggests that Arizona’s local food systems are scaling up, making it easier for families to access fresh, regional products. The rise of online marketplaces also caters to modern lifestyles, allowing families to support local farms with a few clicks. For parents, involving kids in farmers’ markets or u-pick outings can be both educational and fun, fostering a lifelong appreciation for Arizona’s agricultural heritage.

A Call to Action for Arizona Families

Arizona’s farms, from small CSA operations to large-scale producers, are a treasure trove for families seeking fresh, local food. Visiting a farmers’ market, joining a CSA, or exploring a u-pick farm offers more than just groceries, it’s a chance to connect with the land, support hardworking farmers, and celebrate the state’s agricultural diversity.

Whether you’re savoring a crisp apple from a small orchard or enjoying milk from a large dairy, every purchase strengthens Arizona’s food system. For families looking to dive in, check out the Arizona Farm Bureau’s resources, including its consumer-facing website, fillyourplate.org, where you can search for farmers markets, farms to visit, recipes and more. By supporting Arizona’s farms, you’re not just feeding your family, you’re nourishing a legacy that sustains communities across the Grand Canyon State.

Below is the full show with Ashlee Mortimer of Mortimer Farms highlighting its educational and community-engagement features of their farm.