Overview

The Agriculture & Food Systems Support Division (AFSSD) is an innovative program designed to foster relationship building within the agricultural community, encompassing small, medium-sized and large farming operations. AFSSD operates independently from AZDA’s enforcement programs. This structure enables farmers, ranchers, and agribusinesses to seek compliance assistance without the pressure of regulatory consequences. We hope to engage with the agricultural community in a supportive manner by fostering open communication and collaboration. Our goal is to build strong relationships with farmers, agricultural organizations, and local stakeholders to better understand their needs and challenges.

In addition to promoting collaboration, AFSSD provides technical assistance and grant support to help agricultural operations thrive. The division also offers training to enhance voluntary compliance and regulatory awareness, along with educational resources on food systems resilience and agriculture business development. By serving Arizona’s diverse agricultural landscape, AFSSD ultimately strengthens the entire agricultural ecosystem.