Camp Verde Bugle - Guest commentary: Farming: Arizona's foundation and its future

Op-Ed

By Congresswoman Ann Kirkpatrick

Farming is more than an Arizona industry - it's our heritage. Our farms and their regional commodities are the foundation of the "5 Cs" on our state seal: Copper, Cattle, Cotton, Citrus and Climate.

The last of the five - Climate - is certainly not least. Arizona's year-round sunshine is the driving force of our state's $17 billion agricultural industry. Yuma County alone produces 90 percent of the nation's winter leafy greens and even helped saved the medjool date from extinction.

Many of Arizona's farms have been in families for generations. Women run 40 percent of our farms -- that's nearly three times the national average. And Native Americans are a majority (56 percent) of Arizona's farm operators. Nationally, that number is just 2 percent.

I grew up in eastern Arizona on White Mountain Apache land, and folks on my mother's side of the family were ranchers. So my roots run deep in rural and tribal Arizona, and today, I am honored to fight for these communities as Arizona's representative on the House Agriculture Committee. Before my appointment to the committee last year, no Arizonan had served on it since 1952.

I've spent a lot of time listening to Arizona's farmers and ranchers, and I'd like to share a few updates on those discussions:

Water issues

Forecasts indicate our state will return to drought conditions soon. California is still reeling from a prolonged drought, and we cannot wait idly for Arizona to suffer a similar fate. We must constantly improve water conservation methods to prepare for periods of crisis or growth.

We've already seen the success of investments in conservation programs. Agriculture used to consume more of Arizona's water, once hitting an all-time high of 90 percent of the state's water consumption. But Arizona was able to cut that to just 68 percent through promoting water conservation methods.

Cotton prices

Cotton has long been a leading industry in the state, particularly in Pinal County. Cotton is also as thirsty as crops come, consuming six times the water that lettuce does, making it especially vulnerable to drought conditions.

Water isn't the only challenge for cotton farmers. China isn't playing by the rules, and that's affecting prices and demand. Our cotton growers are now struggling with prices below 60 cents per pound. Our growers want the USDA to step in with policies that help, such as classifying cottonseed as an oilseed to make it eligible for farm bill programs.

Labor and immigration

During a recent visit to southern Arizona, I toured the San Luis Port of Entry and spoke with officials about the challenges and opportunities at the border. I also met with farmers in Yuma to discuss agriculture's role in our local economies.

Those conversations only strengthened my resolve to keep fighting for tough but fair comprehensive immigration reform that protects our borders, keeps families together and boosts Arizona's economy.

Farmers and ranchers can't afford to wait around while Washington politicians bicker and stall. They need an effective system to fill labor needs, and current programs aren't getting it done. Our growers are asking for the creation of a new agricultural visa program, for example, that offers flexibility on employment terms.

Aiming for innovation

Whether you're growing cotton in Coolidge or raising cattle in Winslow, innovation can help by combating environmental or economic challenges.

Investments in agro-technology or in programs that educate the next generation of farmers and ranchers will be the foundation for a more advanced, adapting industry.

As a lifelong Arizonan, I've seen our state adapt and thrive, and I know agriculture has a bright future here. As bright, in fact, as the Arizona sunshine.

Congresswoman Ann Kirkpatrick represents Arizona's District One. Visit kirkpatrick.house.gov for office hours and phone numbers.

Source