Nerds for Earth

Arizona Healthy Soils Policy

Legislative Status Update

Updates in 2023

HB2444 [LS] shows soil health in existing law, but does not modify soil health policy

Updates in 2022

None

Updates in 2021

HB2079, Invasive species eradication, amended to include Soil Health Program – passed on 4/7/2021 and signed by Governor Doug Ducey on 4/9/2021

Amendments relating to Natural Resource Conservation Districts

Date:

Introduced January 12, 2021

Signed into law April 7, 2021

Legislation: 

HB 2079

Sponsor: 

Representative Tim Dunn

Description:

This bill amends existing Arizona statute pertaining to the powers and duties of the state’s Natural Resource Conservation Districts to include creation and administration of a Soil Health Program “that promotes implementation of soil health practices, research projects, demonstration projects, educational projects or other activities”. 

It also directs districts to increase public awareness of soil health practices statewide.

Soil Health Definition:

N/A

Stated Goals:

“To promote the continuing capacity for soil to function as a vital living biological system that sustains plants, animals and humans, increased soil organic matter, improved soil structure, water-holding and nutrient-holding capacity or nutrient cycling.”

Program Required Measurements:

N/A

Tools: 

N/A

Funding Source:

Funding is provided through the Conservation Districts. In addition, districts can accept “donations, gifts and contributions” from multiple sources.

Funding Type:  

N/A

Practices eligible for funding: 

N/A

Agencies Involved:

Arizona State Land Department

Rulemaking process:

N/A

State Universities & Researchers: 

Agricultural Organizations & Technical Assistance:

Education & Advocacy Groups:

Lessons Learned:

  • The Arizona Association of Conservation Districts provided a first draft of the bill and joined forces with the Farm Bureau in contacting the sponsor.
  • Coalition building was central to the organizing effort. The Farm Bureau was integral in getting the bill through with help from additional supporters.
  • Focus outreach on educating legislators and agricultural organizations about the importance of a soil health program for producers.
  • The Agricultural Resilience Act played a big role in making the case for getting a state soil health program in place to receive potential federal funds. This argument –to open up federal funds– proved to be the most persuasive.
  • Be prepared to try different angles, e.g. writing soil health into existing programs or statute for conservation districts, or creating a whole new bill.
  • Connect with other states that have soil health programs or are working on similar bills. The national movement for soil health is very supportive and people are happy to help with anything from drafting language to giving encouragement.
  • To build support and grow the coalition, reach out to everyone and anyone you know working on soil health, ask for connections and follow up!
  • The political process can be slow and frustrating, but don’t give up.

Media:

N/A

Last updated 01/12/2024

Questions?

Contact Arizona@healthysoilspolicy.org