AZ SB1206

Establishes agricultural workforce development program providing reimbursement to food-producing agricultural organizations for hiring interns.

Director of agriculture must adopt rules establishing qualifications for participating organizations, intern selection criteria, minimum wage requirements (at least Arizona minimum wage), and reimbursement processes.

Provides preference in program participation to agricultural organizations owned/operated by farmers and ranchers located in rural/tribal areas or who are historically underserved (beginning farmers, socially disadvantaged farmers, veteran farmers, or limited-resource farmers).

Appropriates $250,000 from state general fund for each fiscal year 2020-2021 through 2023-2024 to implement the program; reimbursement amount determined annually based on legislative appropriation.

Program sunsets July 1, 2026; department must submit annual report by December 1 on program effectiveness to governor and legislative leadership.