AZ SB1150

University of Arizona Cooperative Extension Office establishes an Agricultural Workforce Development Program to reimburse food-producing agricultural organizations for apprenticeship costs.

Director must adopt rules requiring participating organizations to pay apprentices at least state minimum wage, with preference given to farmers and ranchers in rural or tribal areas and historically underserved operators including beginning farmers, socially disadvantaged farmers, and veteran farmers.

Cooperative Extension Office may reimburse organizations up to the actual cost of employing an apprentice, with up to 10 percent of appropriated funds available for administrative costs.

$500,000 is appropriated from the state general fund for each of fiscal years 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 to implement the program.

Program terminates on July 1, 2027, and the Cooperative Extension Office must submit an annual effectiveness report by December 1 to the governor, president of the senate, and speaker of the house.