AZ HB2142

Establishes the Agricultural Workforce Development Program to provide reimbursement to food-producing agricultural organizations for apprenticeship costs.

Requires the Department of Agriculture to adopt rules setting qualifications for participating organizations, apprentice selection criteria, minimum wage requirements (at least Arizona minimum wage), and reimbursement processes.

Prioritizes funding for food-producing agricultural organizations owned or operated by historically underserved farmers and ranchers, including beginning farmers, socially disadvantaged farmers, veteran farmers, and limited-resource farmers.

Appropriates $500,000 from the state general fund for fiscal years 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 to implement the program, with appropriations exempt from lapsing.

Program terminates on July 1, 2027 and requires annual reports to the Governor and Legislature on program effectiveness.