RSS 1.0Regional Economic Analysis
ABOUT THE COLLECTION
The Extension Regional Economic Analysis Program (EREAP) conducts applied research and economic analysis addressing economic development issues around Arizona. EREAP serves the needs of Cooperative Extension and its stakeholders, such as Arizona agricultural and agribusiness industries, natural resource users and organizations, and regional economic groups, to provide specialized analysis and targeted information. This collection includes both historical and current publications.
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Recent Submissions
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Economic Contribution of Yuma County AgricultureConducted by the Department of Agriculture & Resource Economic and the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension, this study presents an analysis of the economic importance of agriculture and agribusiness in Yuma County, Arizona. In 2015, the Yuma County Agriculture Water Coalition published A Case Study in Efficiency – Agriculture and Water Use in the Yuma, Arizona Area (YCAWC, 2015). The report characterized the then-current state of agricultural water use in Yuma County and detailed how the region has come to be a key agricultural area, producing high-value specialty crops meanwhile maintaining high levels of water use efficiency while operating in a desert environment. This study presents an update to portions of the 2015 study which examined the economic contributions of agriculture to the Yuma County economy. The analysis is divided into four parts Background information on agriculture in Yuma County, including top crops and seasonality of production. Economic base analysis evaluating the extent of Yuma County’s specialization in agriculture and agribusiness. Water productivity analysis quantifying the region’s agricultural water use efficiency in comparison to other areas. Economic contribution analysis estimating the total economic activity supported by agriculture and agribusiness in Yuma County in 2022. The study considers agriculture as including on-farm production of crops, livestock, and livestock products; agricultural support services; agricultural input suppliers; and university-linked agricultural research and Extension.
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Visitor Impacts of Arizona Athletics Events, FY2023This study presents an analysis of the economic activity attributable to visitors to University of Arizona Athletics Department (Arizona Athletics, hereafter) events within the regional and state economy. Events held by Arizona Athletics attract attendees from local (Pima County), in-state (Arizona, outside of Pima County), and out-of-state communities. Additionally, competing teams travel to Southern Arizona to participate in Arizona home games and events. These visitors spend money while attending events, including on accommodations, restaurants, and other travel related spending. This study estimates the magnitude of visitor spending associated with Arizona Athletics events and estimates the economic multiplier effects it has on the local and state economies for Fiscal Year 2023.
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La industria de productos frescos del condado de Santa Cruz: Contribución Económica Local, Estatal y NacionalEste estudio examina la importancia del clúster industrial de productos frescos del condado de Santa Cruz para el condado y el estado de Arizona en los años 2019 y 2020. La investigación ofrece una descripción general del clúster industrial de productos frescos del condado de Santa Cruz, su actividad económica directa, y los resultados de una encuesta que caracteriza las operaciones de las empresas dentro de este clúster industrial. Luego, presenta dos análisis sobre la contribución económica del clúster a nivel del condado y del estado, seguido de un análisis que cuantifica los vínculos industriales del clúster con mayoristas, minoristas e industrias de servicios de alimentos a nivel nacional. Por último, muestra los resultados de una encuesta sobre el entorno operativo de las empresas en el condado de Santa Cruz, así como sobre inversiones recientes realizadas por empresas en el clúster industrial de productos frescos.
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The Fresh Produce Industry in Santa Cruz County, Arizona: Local, State, & National Economic ContributionsFresh fruit and vegetable commodities became the highest-value category of imports through the Nogales port of entry as of 2020, surpassing motor vehicles and vehicle parts as the top category. This study examines the importance of Santa Cruz County’s fresh produce industry to the county’s economy and to the Arizona state economy in 2019 and 2020. It provides an overview of the industry, estimates of its direct economic activity, and estimates of the total economic contribution, including multiplier effects. Finally, the study presents survey results regarding the operating environment in Santa Cruz County and recent produce industry investments.
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Vineyards and Wineries in Arizona: An Economic Contribution AnalysisArizona’s wine industry has grown rapidly over the last decade, both in terms of the number and size of vineyards in the state, as well as the number of businesses involved in winemaking. Growing grapes and producing wine contribute to local economies, generating economic activity and supporting jobs and incomes within the wine industry and in businesses directly and indirectly linked to the wine industry. In addition to existing wine production and sales, investments to expand Arizona’s wine industry also generate economy activity. Establishing a vineyard or winery requires large initial capital investments, in addition to recurring annual expenses. Such start-up spending contributes to the economy even before an operation begins to generate wine sales revenues. This study estimates the contribution of Arizona’s wine industry to the state economy in 2019, including economic activity associated with wine grape growing, winemaking, wine sales, and investments in vineyard and winery establishments. The study also accounts for economic activity that is supported in other industries through linkages, also known as indirect and induced multiplier effects. Total economic contributions are presented using a variety of metrics, including output (sales), value added (synonymous with Gross State Product), income, and jobs. Finally, the study presents information about the size, structure, and vertical integration of Arizona’s wine industry based on a statewide survey of firms involved in grape growing and winemaking conducted in mid-2020.
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The Nature-Based Restorative Economy in Santa Cruz County, ArizonaNature and the resources and benefits it provides are key inputs to production processes that stimulate economic growth. They enhance quality-of-life, and ultimately provide the underpinnings for human life. They also contribute to the health of regional economies through ‘nature-based’ industries that depend on them, supporting jobs, income, and economic development. At the same time, how these natural resources are used can either build or degrade the natural resource base within a region and positively or negatively affect the regional economy. This study examines industries within the nature-based restorative economy (NBRE) in Santa Cruz County, Arizona. Within the context of Santa Cruz County’s economy, the NBRE consists of three general areas: nature-based tourism, nature-based industries, and conservation, restoration, and preservation. This study characterizes and quantifies the total economic contribution of the NBRE in Santa Cruz County in 2019, including economic activity supported in other industries through indirect and induced multiplier effects. In addition to quantifying the total contributions of the NBRE to the county economy, this study provides a socioeconomic and natural resource profile for Santa Cruz County and presents the results of a SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats) analysis to better understand and predict the medium- and long-term outlooks for the NBRE in the region.
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Agriculture in Graham and Greenlee Counties: An Economic Contribution StudyGraham and Greenlee counties, in eastern Arizona, are largely rural counties with agricultural industries that include crop production along the Gila River and livestock grazing throughout the region’s remote and rugged public lands. The significance of agriculture in these counties’ economies is not limited to on-farm production. By purchasing inputs such as seed, fertilizer, feed crops, banking services, and hiring labor, a “ripple” of economic activity is created in other industries providing those goods and services. Additionally, households that derive income from agriculture contribute to the local economy by purchasing household goods and services. Economists call these indirect and induced multiplier effects.
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Arizona's Tree Nut Industry and Its Contributions to the State EconomyArizona’s tree nut industry has experienced rapid growth in recent years. Arizona ranks among the top four states in its production of pecans and is one of only three states with commercial production of pistachios. Pecan and pistachio production in Arizona, combined, ranks within the state’s top ten agricultural commodities by cash receipts and state cash receipts for tree nuts are poised to increase in coming years. Tree nut production contributes to local communities, supporting economic activity and jobs in businesses both directly and indirectly linked to tree nut production. Meanwhile, challenges exist around sustainable withdrawal of water resources by a growing industry in groundwater-dependent areas, balancing the livelihoods of rural residents employed in agriculture and agriculture-linked industries with the availability and affordability of groundwater supplies relied upon by residents, agricultural users, and the environment. This report presents an analysis of the tree nut industry’s contribution to Arizona’s economy, including multiplier effects, as well as an overview of the industry, its trends, and water use for tree nut production in Arizona.
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Potential Economic Impact of Cold Inspection Facility Upgrade at Mariposa Port of Entry, Nogales, AZThis study estimates the potential economic impact of investment in a cold inspection facility at the Mariposa Port of Entry in Nogales, AZ. The study models estimates of volume and value of fresh produce currently diverted to other ports of entry that could potentially travel through Nogales. Potential increases in trade flows for select perishable produce commodities (asparagus, avocados, blackberries, raspberries, and strawberries) through Nogales are then used to estimate the economic impacts to the Arizona economy. Furthermore, the study presents a benefit-cost analysis for the project based upon modeled increases in trade flows. Revised September 2019.
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Contribution of On-Farm Agriculture and Agribusiness to the Pinal County Economy: Economic Contribution Analyses for 2016Pinal County ranks in the top 2% of all U.S. counties in the total value of agricultural sales and the top 1% in cotton and cottonseed sales, milk sales, and inventories of cattle and calves. Supporting large dairy and beef industries, Pinal County ranks in the top 4% of all counties in barley acreage, corn acreage, and forage crop acreage.
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Mexican Fresh Tomatoes: Agribusiness Value Chain Contributions to the U.S. EconomyImported fresh produce, such as tomatoes, supports economic activity, jobs, and income in the United States, even though it is grown elsewhere. In the case of tomatoes grown in Mexico, international agribusiness supply chains support forward-linked industries that deliver fresh tomatoes to end buyers in the United States and Canada, as well as backward-linked industries that supply inputs to agricultural producers in Mexico. This study estimates the total contribution of Mexican fresh tomatoes to the U.S. economy, including industries involved in delivering fresh tomatoes from ports of entry to end consumers (direct effects), and the multiplier effects in other U.S. industries through business-to-business transactions (indirect effects) and household-to-business transactions (induced effects).
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Contribution of Agriculture to the Maricopa County and Gila River Indian Community EconomiesStrategies to promote local and regional food systems benefit from a baseline understanding of existing agricultural activity and its role within the regional economy. To encourage growth or changes in regional food systems, it is important to understand what is being produced, where and how it is being sold, and the potential economic impacts of shifting production and marketing channels. This study provides an estimate of the economic contribution of on-farm agriculture to the Maricopa County economy, as well as an estimate of the regional economic contribution of agricultural activity taking place within the Gila River Indian Community. It includes an overview of commodities produced, their direct sales effects, and an estimate of multiplier effects within the regional economy. Additionally, information on farm attributes, food versus non-food agricultural production, and existing data on local foods activity is provided within the larger context of agriculture as a whole in the region.
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Arizona's Agribusiness System: Contributions to the State Economy, An Economic Contributions Analysis for 2014The contribution of Arizona agriculture to the state economy extends beyond the commodities produced on farms and ranches across the state. On-farm production is just one part of an entire system of industries involved in and connected with agriculture in Arizona. Estimating the full contribution of agriculture to the state economy warrants an examination of the entire agribusiness system in Arizona.
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Arizona Leafy Greens: Economic Contributions of the Industry Cluster, 2015 Economic Contribution AnalysisLeafy greens, a broad term used to describe vegetable crops with edible leaves, are an important crop group in Arizona. Arizona plays a key role in the country’s production of leafy greens, particularly lettuce varieties and spinach. Together, Arizona and California account for nearly 90% of all leafy greens produced (by weight) in the United States. In winter months, leafy greens are sourced almost exclusively from Arizona and California counties straddling the Colorado River. Considering the state’s role in national production, leafy greens are also an important part of Arizona’s agricultural economy. Since 2010, the state’s major leafy green commodities (lettuce, spinach, and cabbage) have accounted for approximately one-fifth of all agricultural sales (crops and livestock) in Arizona and have represented a large majority of vegetable and melon sales.
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Contribution of the Golf Industry to the Arizona Economy in 2014Golf is an important part of Arizona’s economy and a defining component of the physical landscape of many of its cities and towns. Golf facilities support jobs and income for the state economy, indirectly support other Arizona businesses that serve and supply the facilities, drive tourist spending by attracting visitors from outside the state, and support sales by retailers offering golf equipment and merchandise to Arizona golfers. Additionally, golf facilities exert a positive effect on the value of residential real estate in their proximity. Meanwhile, golf courses require inputs year-round to maintain playable and attractive conditions for golfers on the facility’s turfgrass and other landscape surfaces. Major inputs include irrigation water, fertilizer, and other agricultural chemicals. Conservation efforts at golf facilities aim to balance the use of natural resources with the economic viability of the courses. This study provides an estimate of the economic contribution of the golf industry to Arizona’s economy in 2014, examining the following components: golf facility operations (operations spending, jobs, and other contributions), golf-related tourist spending, and golf-related business revenues. Other effects of the golf industry are not best measured using regional economic contribution analysis. These effects include the influence of golf courses on residential real estate values and natural resource use and conservation. The study provides an update to a 2004 estimate of residential real estate premiums attributable to frontage on and proximity to golf courses, and provides a snapshot of golf water use and conservation and management practices at Arizona golf facilities in 2014.
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The Contribution of Small Grains Production to Arizona‘s EconomySmall grains, in particular wheat and barley, are an important part of Arizona’s agricultural economy. Durum wheat, the most common type of wheat produced in Arizona, is grown for a wide variety of domestic and foreign customers. Small grains, especially barley, have long served as a source of feed for the state’s large cattle feedlot and dairy industries as well as its hog, sheep, and poultry industries. Small grains play a critical role in maintaining soil and crop health for Arizona farms because other key agricultural crop sectors, such as those growing fresh produce and cotton, use small grains as important components of their crop rotations. Finally, Arizona mills, bakeries, food manufacturers, breweries, and distilleries also use small grains in a small, but growing local foods movement.
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The Contribution of Arizona’s Vegetable and Melon Industry Cluster to the State EconomyVegetable and melon production is an important part of Arizona’s agricultural economy. In addition to on-farm production, there is a cluster of other industries that perform post-harvest activities, ensuring high-quality produce reaches consumers. The perishable nature of these products requires coordination between industries and logistical efficiency. Estimating vegetable and melon production’s contribution to the Arizona economy warrants an examination of the whole value chain: farming, packing, cooling, storing, processing, trucking, and wholesaling. This study estimates the contribution of Arizona's vegetable and melon industry cluster to the state economy in 2014, including direct sales, as well as economic activity supported through indirect and induced multiplier effects.
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Yuma Visitor Survey: Characteristics and Economic Impacts of Hotel VisitorsThe attraction of visitors from other areas often plays a critical role in growing and sustaining local economies. While Yuma has developed itself as a prime destination for “snowbirds” (seasonal visitors from colder climates that visit during winter months), there is potential to grow and diversify the Yuma visitor base. One potential segment of the visitor population that can be targeted are non-local visitors that stay overnight in Yuma hotels. A better understanding of these visitors is important because this segment has the potential to generate significant economic impacts on the Yuma economy. This project is a collaborative effort to learn more about Yuma hotel visitors and estimate the impacts of their spending on Yuma County’s economy. Because secondary data are not available for Yuma hotel visitors, this project employs a survey approach to collect primary data.
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Agriculture in Arizona’s Economy: An Economic Contribution AnalysisAgriculture’s contribution to the Arizona economy is more than just the economic activity generated by farms and ranches across the state. Many industries in the state depend on agriculture as a basis for their economic activity. Estimating agriculture’s contribution to the state economy warrants an examination of the entire agribusiness system in Arizona.
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The Contribution of the Beef Industry to the Arizona EconomyCattle ranching remains an important part of Arizona agriculture, making various contributions to Arizona county economies and to the state economy as a whole. The beef industry extends beyond cattle production (cow-calf ranches and feedlots) and includes the value-added activities from cattle processing in slaughter and leather and hide tanning and finishing establishments. In addition, economic activity in the beef industry has multiplier effects, generating additional jobs and sales in the local economy. The beef industry purchases inputs from other sectors of the economy (indirect effects) and earnings (profits and wages) from the industry are spent on Arizona goods and services (induced effects). These multiplier effects provide additional stimulus to other sectors of the local economy that one can measure by output (sales), value added (GDP), labor income, and jobs.
