The objective of this federal award is to support research and extension activities aligned with the broad goals of the USDA and stakeholder groups in arizona

The Department of Agriculture National Institute of Food and Agriculture awarded the University of Arizona $2,297,806 under the Payments to Agricultural Experiment Stations Under the Hatch Act (CFDA 10.203) on October 1, 2025, obligating the full amount for a formula grant supporting research and extension activities aligned with USDA and stakeholder priorities in Arizona.

The award funds research and extension projects addressing five critical issues: ensuring a sustainable, profitable, and competitive food and fiber system in Arizona; enhancing natural resource conservation and management; improving the health, safety, and economic security of Arizona families and communities; preparing Arizona youth to be productive citizens; and preparing Arizona's agricultural industry for future solutions. Projects are identified through a competitive process and administered in alignment with Hatch, Hatch Multistate, Animal Health, and Smith-Lever program requirements, integrating research and extension with strong stakeholder input.

Deliverables include new knowledge leading to peer-reviewed and general publications; improvements in the functioning, productivity, and long-term health of Arizona's agricultural systems; improved health and wellbeing of Arizona citizens, including rural and tribal communities; and enhanced economic development across the state. Beneficiaries extend statewide with emphasis on rural and tribal areas.

The performance period runs from October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2027, with work performed in Tucson, Arizona. The University of Arizona, a 1862 land-grant institution and Hispanic Serving Institution, serves as recipient. Arizona Board of Regents is the parent entity.

Activities address the following critical issues: ensuring a sustainable, profitable, and competitive food and fiber system in arizona; enhancing natural resource conservation and management; improving the health, safety, and economic security of arizona families and communities; preparing arizona youth to be productive citizens; and preparing arizona's agricultural industry for solutions of the future. Projects are identified through a competitive process, are administered in alignment with the requirements of the hatch, hatch multistate, animal health and smith-lever programs, and continue the long-standing integration between research and extension with strong stakeholder input. Deliverables include new knowledge leading to peer reviewed and general publications, improvements in the functioning, productivity and long-term health of arizona's agricultural systems, improved health, and wellbeing of the citizens of arizona, including rural and tribal communities, and enhanced economic development across the state. Beneficiaries extend across the state with emphasis on rural and tribal areas.