Vegetable Crops

Arizona is a national leader in produce production

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• Ranked 2nd in the nation for quantity of product (cwt) for cantaloupe
• Ranked 2nd in the nation for quantity of production (cwt) for lettuce (head, leaf, Romaine) 
• Ranked 2nd in the nation for quantity of production (cwt) for spinach
• Ranked 8th in the nation for quantity of production (cwt) for cabbage

*Source: USDA Vegetables 2015 Annual Summary, 2016

 In 2015, the leafy greens industry cluster contributed approximately $2.0 billion in sales to Arizona economy

• $779 million from on-farm production of leafy greens
• $152 million from other industries within industry cluster
• More than $1.0 billion from sales generated through indirect and induced effects

There are several pests and diseases that can affect leafy greens production area in Arizona. Lettuce seed for planting is regulated by A.A.C. R3-4-233: Lettuce Mosaic Virus, which prohibits seed that is not indexed for lettuce mosaic virus. This rule also defines conditions for trial plots of new varieties. The Plant Services Division provides inspection service for commodities that require phytosanitary certification for domestic and international export.

There are also food safety standards for production and harvesting lettuce crops that are regulated by the Arizona Leafy Greens Marketing Agreement (AZ LGMA). Members of the AZ LGMA are working collaboratively to protect public health by reducing potential sources of contamination in Arizona grown leafy greens. More information can be found on their website: www.arizonaleafygreens.org

The Citrus Fruit and Vegetable Standardization program monitors and enforces the quality standards for all fresh fruit and vegetables produced and marketed in Arizona.