Agricultural Leasing Program

Lease Administration

The Agricultural Lease Program maintains the administration of leases and permits for Agricultural uses that are issued by the Land Department for State Trust lands. 

State Trust land can be leased for agriculture (farming) for a maximum of ten years, as set by statute.  Renewal of leases is contingent upon the lessee having complied with the terms and conditions of the lease.

A new lease on undeveloped land is restricted to a two year developmental lease. Renewal of the two year lease would occur if the lessee has complied with the terms and conditions of the lease and the lease has been substantially developed. Click here for the Agricultural Lease Application.

Improvements - Any temporary or permanent improvement placed on a State agricultural lease must be approved by the Land Department prior to placement. Reimbursement for approved permanent improvements in the event of a taking or sale is provided by law, and would be made on the appraised value at time of the action.

Rent rates - Agricultural leases are billed annually.  The Department utilizes farm areas as a mechanism to differentiate the leases.  The farmable rate varies by farm area.  The Department’s agricultural lease rentals are subject to annual reappraisal.

Arizona Department of Agriculture's newsletter - Air Quality In Action (Fall 2012)

Call Michael McLaughlin, Range, Agriculture & Conservation Section at 602 542-2698 for further information or to request application forms.

Apiary (Bee) Permit Administration

Permits issued for Apiary (Bee) sites are part of the Agricultural Leasing Program.

If an entity desires to place a beehive on State Trust land, a Special Land Use Permit must be obtained from the Land Department for an Apiary (bee) permit.

Call Michael McLaughlin, Range, Agriculture & Conservation Section at 602 542-2698 for further information or to request application forms.