From Farm to Table!
Discover how sustainable farming helps our planet!
What is Sustainable Farming?
Sustainable farming means growing food in ways that are good for the environment, for people, and for animals! It's like taking care of the Earth while the Earth takes care of us by providing delicious, healthy food!
Farming Fun Facts!
Arizona's Growing Power
Arizona farmers grow enough lettuce each year to make 12 billion salads!
Year-Round Veggies
Thanks to Arizona's sunny climate, farmers can grow vegetables all year long!
First Farmers
Native Americans have been farming in Arizona for over 4,000 years!
Moo-ving Along
Ranching (raising cattle) is Arizona's oldest industry, dating back to the 1700s!
Wow!
Did you know that Yuma County in Arizona produces 90% of all the leafy vegetables grown in the United States during winter months? That's probably where your winter salad comes from!
Farming Know-How Quiz!
Test your farming knowledge!
- What do plants need to grow?
- Name three vegetables grown in Arizona.
- Why do farmers need to save water?
- What is composting and why is it good?
- How can you help support sustainable farming?
(Find the answers in our activities section!)
Sustainable Farming Practices
Water-Wise Farming
Sustainable farmers use clever ways to water plants that save water, like drip irrigation that delivers water right to the plant's roots!
Composting
Farmers recycle plant materials, food scraps, and animal manure into compost, which is like a vitamin boost for soil!
Helpful Bugs
Instead of using lots of chemicals, sustainable farmers invite helpful insects like ladybugs to eat pest bugs that would harm plants!
Crop Rotation
Farmers plant different crops in the same field each season, which keeps the soil healthy and reduces pests!
What Grows in Arizona?
Arizona farmers grow many delicious and healthy foods:
Vegetables
- Lettuce
- Broccoli
- Carrots
- Spinach
- Tomatoes
Fruits
- Citrus (Oranges, Lemons)
- Melons
- Dates
- Peaches
- Apples (in northern AZ)
Grains & Fiber
- Cotton
- Wheat
- Corn
- Barley
- Alfalfa (for animal feed)
Special Arizona Foods
- Prickly Pear Cactus
- Tepary Beans
- Chilies
- Mesquite Pods
- Saguaro Fruit
Be a Sustainable Food Hero!
Here's how YOU can help support sustainable farming:
Grow Your Own
Plant a small garden at home! You can grow veggies in containers even if you don't have a yard.
Visit Farmers Markets
Ask your family to shop at local farmers markets to support Arizona farmers and get the freshest food!
Reduce Food Waste
Only take what you'll eat and help your family use leftover food in new recipes instead of throwing it away.
Compost
Start a compost bin for fruit and vegetable scraps to make healthy soil for plants!
Farming Fun Activities to Download!
Print these out for farming adventures at home or school!
