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 $473,488 on October 1, 2025, under the Cooperative Forestry Research program (CFDA 10.202) to support research and extension activities aligned with USDA objectives in Arizona.

The award funds competitive research and extension projects addressing sustainable and profitable food and fiber systems, natural resource conservation and management, health and economic security of Arizona families and communities, youth development, and agricultural industry preparedness. Deliverables include peer-reviewed and general publications, improvements in the functioning and productivity of Arizona agricultural systems, enhanced health and wellbeing of Arizona citizens including rural and tribal communities, and economic development across the state. Beneficiaries extend statewide with emphasis on rural and tribal areas.

The award covers the period October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2027, with place of performance in Tucson, Arizona. Projects are administered in alignment with Hatch Act, Hatch Multistate, Animal Health, and Smith-Lever program requirements and maintain integration between research and extension with strong stakeholder input. The University of Arizona, a 1862 land-grant institution and Hispanic Serving Institution, is the recipient. The Arizona Board of Regents serves as 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 arizonas 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 arizonas 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