Arizona Department of Agriculture

What Arizona Department of Agriculture does

The Arizona Department of Agriculture (AZDA) is a state government agency established in 1991 through comprehensive Arizona legislation that consolidated separate boards and commissions regulating agriculture, business, and public health. Headquartered at 1110 W. Washington St., Suite 450 in Phoenix, Arizona, AZDA operates under Arizona Revised Statutes (A.R.S.) and is led by a Governor-appointed Director (currently Paul E. Brierley, appointed June 26, 2023 by Governor Katie Hobbs). The agency serves farmers, ranchers, agribusinesses, pesticide applicators, livestock producers, produce growers, and commercial weighing/measuring businesses across Arizona through a three-division regulatory structure: Animal Services Division (ASD), Environmental & Consumer Protection Division (ECPD), and Plant & Produce Services Division (PPSD), supported by a non-regulatory Agriculture & Food Systems Support Division (AFSSD), a Central Licensing Section (CLS), and the State Agricultural Laboratory (SAL).

AZDA's core infrastructure includes the e-licensing portal (applications.azda.gov) processing over 70 license types, the public Master Agricultural Credential Directory (searchagriculture.az.gov), the MyOPM pest management portal (opmssl.azda.gov), the eTARF termite history database (tarf.azda.gov), and a livestock self-inspection portal. The State Agricultural Laboratory provides analytical testing for pesticide residues, drug and antibiotic residues, plant pathogen and insect identification, seed analysis, and feed/fertilizer/pesticide formulation testing. Service delivery spans in-person walk-in offices, statewide phone helplines including toll-free numbers, and self-serve digital portals.

As a state entity, AZDA does not generate commercial revenue. Operations are funded through state legislative appropriations and statutory fee collections ranging from $5 (Class A meat plant slaughter license) to $2,000 (industrial hemp processor license, 1-year), spanning licensing, inspection, product registration, and brand recording fees. The agency also administers federal grant pass-through programs including the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure Program (RFSI, approximately $3.2 million) and the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP, approximately $1.25 million projected for 2026). Strategic partnerships span USDA, University of Arizona Cooperative Extension, Arizona Cattle Growers Association, all 22 Arizona sovereign tribal nations, and statutory commodity research councils for citrus, grain, and iceberg lettuce.

Name

Arizona Department of Agriculture

Legal name

Arizona Department of Agriculture

Website

https://agriculture.az.gov

Company type

Private

Founded year

1991

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

The Arizona Department of Agriculture is a state government agency regulating Arizona's agricultural sector through licensing, inspection, laboratory testing, and biosecurity programs, serving farmers, ranchers, agribusinesses, and produce growers across the state.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Agricultural Regulatory Services

NAICS

Regulation of Agricultural Marketing and Commodities (92614), Regulation, Licensing, and Inspection of Miscellaneous Commercial Sectors (92615), Administration of Environmental Quality Programs (924), Regulation, Licensing, and Inspection of Miscellaneous Commercial Sectors (926150), Support Activities for Animal Production (115210), Pesticide and Other Agricultural Chemical Manufacturing (32532)

SIC

Agricultural Services (700), Agricultural Chemicals (2870), Agricultural Prod-Livestock & Animal Specialties (200), Agricultural Production-Crops (100)

akta.pro primary industry

Agriculture, Fisheries & Food Administration (BPAIAAAO)

akta.pro secondary industries

Regulatory Submissions, Registrations & Facility Approvals (FDA/USDA/EU) (AFALADAD), Supplier Approval, Verification & Food Safety Risk Management (GFSI-aligned) (AFALADAH), Import/Export & Border Compliance Support (FSVP, Prior Notice, Health Certificates) (AFALADAE), Labeling & Claims Compliance Review (Nutrition, Allergen, Country-of-Origin) (AFALADAF), Pesticide & Agricultural Chemical Health Regulators (HLAJAFAG), Pesticide Residue & Agrochemical Screening Services (Soil/Plant/Water) (AFACAKAF), Fertilizer Compliance, Testing & Certification (Nutrient Analysis, Regulatory/Stewardship Programs) (AFABABAL), Regulatory Compliance, Permitting & Audit Readiness (Food Safety, Environmental, Labor) (AFACAJAE)

Keywords

• Agricultural regulation services
• Food safety inspection
• Agricultural licensing programs
• Pest management services
• Weights and measures

Headquarters

HQ city

Phoenix

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Licensing and Permit Fees: AZDA generates revenue through processing fees for over 70 different license types across Animal Services, Environmental & Consumer Protection, and Plant & Produce Services divisions. Fees range from $5 to $2,000 depending on license category and duration.
2. Regulatory Compliance Fees: State government agency funded through legislative appropriations and fee-based services including inspection fees, product registration fees, brand recording fees, and compliance-related charges for agricultural operations.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

The Arizona Department of Agriculture is a state regulatory agency that licenses, inspects, and certifies Arizona's agricultural industry through three regulatory divisions (Animal Services, Environmental & Consumer Protection, Plant & Produce Services) plus a non-regulatory support division, central licensing section, and state agricultural laboratory. The agency issues more than 70 different license types, conducts food safety inspections for meat, dairy, eggs, and produce, enforces plant and animal quarantines, regulates pesticides/feed/fertilizer, and operates weights and measures services statewide. It also administers federal grant programs and provides non-regulatory technical assistance to farmers, ranchers, and agribusinesses.

Product overview

The Arizona Department of Agriculture operates as a unified regulatory agency organized into three primary regulatory divisions (Animal Services, Environmental & Consumer Protection, Plant & Produce Services) supported by non-regulatory Agriculture & Food Systems Support Division, Central Licensing Section, and State Agricultural Laboratory. The department provides digital service portals for licensing management (AZDA Central E-Licensing Portal, MyOPM Portals, Credential Directory), public search databases (eTARF Termite History, License Verification), and livestock self-inspection tools. The agency administers grant programs including LOFFAP, RFSI ($3.2M), and SCBGP ($1.25M projected 2026), and implements regulatory orders for biosecurity including current New World Screwworm screening protocols under Director's Order 26-04.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Agriculture & Food Systems Support Division (AFSSD) Non-regulatory division supporting Arizona's farming community through technical assistance, grant programs, and voluntary compliance education. Administers Specialty Crop Block Grant, Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure, and Arizona Grown marketing programs.
• Animal Services Division (ASD) Regulatory division protecting animal health and marketability through disease prevention, livestock movement enforcement, and food safety inspections for dairy, meat, and egg products.
• Environmental & Consumer Protection Division (ECPD) Regulatory division comprising Office of Environmental Services (pesticides, feed, fertilizer), Office of Pest Management, and Office of Weights and Measures. Ensures consumer protection and marketplace equity.
• Plant & Produce Services Division (PPSD) Regulatory division safeguarding Arizona agriculture through FDA Food Safety Modernization Act implementation, Arizona Leafy Greens Marketing Agreement administration, plant quarantine management, and Industrial Hemp Program oversight.
• Central Licensing Section (CLS) Processes over 70 different license types across all departmental divisions, including applications, renewals, and walk-in customer service for the entire Arizona Department of Agriculture.
• State Agricultural Laboratory (SAL) Provides analytical and technical support for pesticide, drug, and antibiotic residue testing in agricultural products. Identifies plant pathogens, insects, and analyzes feed, fertilizer, and pesticide formulations.
• AZDA Central E-Licensing Portal Online portal for uploading regulatory compliance documents, submitting licensing applications, and managing agency credentials digitally across all AZDA divisions.
• AZDA Master Agricultural Credential Directory Public search directory for verifying active licensing numbers, company names, expiration dates, and certification metrics across all state divisions.
• MyOPM Business & Applicator Portals Secure interfaces for licensed pest control companies to submit renewals, track employee rosters, and for certified applicators to audit CEU credits and execute license renewals.
• AZDA eTARF Termite History Search Public database for searching termite treatment history, inspection reports, and pre-treatments by property address in Arizona, with required electronic filing by licensed pest control businesses within 30 days of completing treatments or inspections.
• Livestock Self-Inspection Online Portal Online self-inspection system for livestock operators to manage seasonal passes, self-inspection certificates, and animal movement documentation.
• Livestock Operator Fire and Flood Assistance Program (LOFFAP) State grant program providing immediate infrastructure reconstruction funding for livestock operators damaged by wildfire or subsequent flooding events.
• Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure (RFSI) Program Federal subaward grants of approximately $3.2 million to strengthen middle-of-supply-chain operations including equipment, processing facilities, and cold storage for Arizona-based agricultural producers.
• Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP) Federal grant program projecting approximately $1,250,000 available for 2026 cycle to enhance competitiveness of Arizona specialty crops including fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, and nursery crops.
• New World Screwworm (NWS) Screening & Biosecurity Program Director's Administrative Order 26-04 establishing heightened screening, tracking, and inspection protocols for cattle from Sonora, Mexico following USDA phased port reopening plan, with Douglas, AZ port scheduled to reopen August 24, 2026.
• Arizona Livestock Incident Response Team (ALIRT) Multi-agency response team deployed with UA Cooperative Extension and ACGA to distribute sampling kits and technical guidance for New World Screwworm preparedness.

Quantifiable outcome

• Arizona iceberg lettuce industry produces over 29 million cartons annually
• +1 more outcomes

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered core and supporting.

• Pinnacle PreventioncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAZDA partners with Pinnacle Prevention to deliver specialized technical assistance and state-level Supply Chain Coordination for the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure Program (RFSI), supporting applicants and supply chain entities beyond capital subawards.
• University of Arizona Cooperative ExtensioncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership providing specialized coursework on urban production, small-scale farming, irrigation management, and soil health for beginner farmers and ranchers. Also provides non-regulatory guidance and agricultural workshops.
• USDA (United States Department of Agriculture)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFederal partnership for border inspections, New World Screwworm surveillance including fly-trap grid maintenance along southern border, and livestock import/export protocols. AZDA follows USDA's phased plan for port reopening.
• Arizona Cattle Growers Association (ACGA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIndustry partnership supporting Arizona Livestock Incident Response Team (ALIRT) activities, producer outreach, and biosecurity measures. ACGA President Brian deGanahl stated support for feeder cattle imports contingent upon strict USDA/AZDA protocol adherence.
• Arizona's 22 Sovereign Tribal NationscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAFSSD provides dedicated communication channels connecting Arizona's tribal nations with state agricultural resources, grant opportunities, and food security programs through a tribal liaison coordination program.
• Arizona Livestock Incident Response Team (ALIRT)supportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerInteragency response team deployed with UA Cooperative Extension and ACGA to distribute NWS sampling kits and technical guidance to livestock producers statewide.
• Interagency NWS Coordinators GroupcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMulti-agency coordination linking state, county, local, federal, tribal, and university partners for New World Screwworm preparedness and response activities.
• Arizona Citrus Research Council (ACRC)supportingOthersStatutory council created to support development of citrus research programs and projects within the Arizona citrus industry. AZDA provides administrative oversight.
• Arizona Grain Research and Promotion Council (AGRPC)supportingOthersSeven-member council utilizing grower check-off funds for wheat and barley marketing, research projects to reduce freshwater consumption, new grain variety development, and improved production methods.
• Arizona Iceberg Lettuce Research Council (AILRC)supportingOthersSeven-member council reviewing and awarding research proposals on variety development, lettuce pest eradication, harvesting, handling, and hauling. AZDA provides administrative oversight.
• Arizona Leafy Greens Food Safety CommitteecoreOthersIndustry-funded committee administered through AZDA, with leadership consisting of industry professionals dedicated to ensuring integrity of Arizona Leafy Greens. 100% industry funded.
• USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFederal agency providing grant funding and oversight for the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure Program (RFSI). AZDA received federal award of approximately $3.2 million through this partnership.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• USDA (United States Department of Agriculture): Federal agriculture authority that partners with AZDA on border inspections, biosecurity, and grant programs (RFSI, SCBGP). Operates at national scale with broader statutory reach; directly comparable regulatory functions in animal/plant health and food safety.
• Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS): USDA agency partnering with AZDA on NWS surveillance, plant quarantines, and livestock import protocols. Operates the federal plant and animal health regulatory layer that AZDA implements at the state level.

Direct peers

• Texas Department of Agriculture: Texas state agriculture regulatory agency with comparable functions in licensing, pesticide regulation, weights and measures, and consumer protection. Operates with similar divisional structure and statutorily granted enforcement authority.
• California Department of Food and Agriculture: State-level agricultural regulatory agency in California with analogous structure: licensing, inspection, plant and animal health, pest prevention, and marketing order administration. Highly comparable in scope and authority to AZDA, serving the largest U.S. agricultural economy.
• Colorado Department of Agriculture: State agriculture regulatory agency where AZDA Deputy Director Sheldon R. Jones previously served as Deputy Commissioner. Comparable inspection, licensing, and conservation programs in a similar Western U.S. agricultural economy.
• Oregon Department of Agriculture: Oregon's state agriculture agency with comparable plant health, pesticide licensing, food safety, weights and measures, and animal health regulatory programs. Similar regional crop mix and Western U.S. regulatory environment.
• Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services: Florida's combined agriculture and consumer services regulatory agency with overlapping responsibilities in plant inspection, citrus regulation, livestock health, pesticide licensing, and weights and measures — directly comparable to AZDA's ECPD and PPSD divisions.
• New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets: New York's state agriculture regulatory agency administering licensing, food safety inspection, animal health, and plant industry programs. Comparable divisional scope and licensing portfolio to AZDA.

Others

• Arizona Department of Environmental Quality: Arizona's state environmental regulatory agency with overlapping jurisdiction on pesticide use, water quality, and food safety. Provides institutional comparison as a sibling Arizona state regulatory agency where AZDA Deputy Director of Operations previously served.
• National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA): Trade and policy association representing state agriculture departments including AZDA. Provides policy coordination, federal advocacy, and best practice sharing across state-level agricultural regulators — an institutional peer in the regulatory ecosystem.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/arizona-department-of-agriculture

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles15 records

Subsidiaries6 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Arizona Department of Agriculture