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ARIZONA STATE LEGISLATURE
Fifty-first Legislature – First Regular Session
SENATE NATURAL RESOURCES AND RURAL AFFAIRS AND HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES AGRICULTURE AND WATER COMMITTTEE OF REFERENCE FOR THE SUNSET REVIEW OF THE ARIZONA COTTON RESEARCH AND PROTECTION COUNCIL
Minutes of Interim Meeting
Co-Chairman Fann called the meeting to order at 1:05 p.m. and attendance was noted by the secretary.
Senator Steve Pierce, Co-Chairman Representative Karen Fann, Co-Chairman
Senator Gail Griffin Representative Brenda Barton
Senator Barbara McGuire Representative Thomas Shope
Senator Dan Shooter Representative Juan Escamilla
(1) vacant Representative Catherine Miranda
Co-Chairman Fann provided opening remarks and asked the Members to introduce themselves.
ARIZONA COTTON RESEARCH AND PROTECTION COUNCIL
Presentation by Legislative Staff
Rick Hazelton, House Assistant Research Analyst, advised that the Arizona Cotton Research and Protection Council (Council) was established by Laws 1984, Chapter 249. The purpose of the Council is to generate revenue to fund research and implement programs that promote the health of the cotton industry. The Council does not receive general fund (GF) money but instead assesses a per bale fee ranging from $1 to $5 depending on the elevation where the cotton is produced. The Council is composed of nine members who are active cotton producers and appointed by the Governor. The members serve three-year terms and represent various counties throughout the state.
Presentation and Response by the Arizona Cotton Research and Protection Council
Leighton Liesner, Executive Director, Arizona Cotton Research and Protection Council (Council), stated that the Council’s primary function is to research, develop and implement solutions for the protection of the cotton industry. He provided a brief background and cited examples of past success with eradicating the boll weevil and the white fly. Mr. Liesner spoke on the impending challenges and progress being made in the area of herbicide resistant weeds and pathogens surveying. He related that the Council does not receive any GF monies. Contributions are based on grower assessments and the Council has always operated within their own means.
Co-Chairman Fann questioned if there are any existing authorizations that need to be addressed. Mr. Liesner answered in the negative.
Senator McGuire asked for an example of how the Council interacts with the University of Arizona (UA). Mr. Liesner stated that the UA Cooperative Extension Program allows for a “hands on” field experience. He advised Members that the pink bollworm program resulted in the high use of Bt cotton which assisted in reducing the pink bollworm population.
Senator Griffin stated appreciation that the Council lives within its budget, without relying on state funds. Co-Chairman Fann concurred.
Public Testimony
Rick Lavis, Executive Vice President, Arizona Cotton Growers Association, stated that the Council was created 30 years ago by Governor Bruce Babbitt due to concerns over the boll weevil.
In response to Co-Chairman Pierce’s question, Mr. Lavis explained that bale assessment price variations are due to the fluctuating market. He said that China is the master of this particular economy because they have most of the cotton.
Discussion and Recommendations by the Committee of Reference
Representative Barton stated appreciation for the Cotton Research and Protection Council.
Co-Chairman Pierce moved that the Committee of Reference recommend to the full Legislature that the Arizona Cotton Research and Protection Council receive a ten-year continuation. The motion carried by a unanimous voice vote.
Without objection, the meeting adjourned at 1:15 p.m.
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Abby Selvey, Committee Secretary
December 16, 2013
(Original minutes, attachments and audio on file in the Office of the Chief Clerk; video archives available at http://www.azleg.gov)
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