AG Groups Pleased with Lawsuit Ruling

ARIZONA Over a year ago, farmers filed suit against the state of Arizona after the legislature had swept funds paid by growers for specific research and promotion projects associated with their crops. These programs are housed within the Arizona Department of Agriculture. On behalf of their growers, the Arizona Farm Bureau, Western Growers and Yuma Fresh Vegetable Associations, the Arizona Wheat Growers and Arizona Grain Research and Promotion Council filed two law suits. The suits were later combined into one legal action. In early 2008, the legislature had taken these funds as part of their solution to balance the state budget. Maricopa Superior Court Judge Craig Blakey agreed with the farmers. In his one-page opinion, Blakey states, The court finds that the monies in the funds at issue consist of fees and donations collected for specific purposes¦(they) are not general fund monies that can be swept or utilized for any legislative purpose. The agriculture community is pleased with the decision, said Arizona Farm Bureau President Kevin Rogers. We believe former Governor Napolitano and the legislature went too far when they took these funds for a use not prescribed in current law.