The Governor proposed in the last session an executive order to restructure the Department of Natural Resources that would move the Division of Agriculture to a new stand alone department so it would have its own Commissioner. That EO was rejected by the legislature in a 32-28 vote. Essentially the same restructuring is proposed in HB 140 and SB 128 that both remain in the Resources committees. Now, the Governor has included the issue in the subjects of his call for a special session, but has not disclosed what the proposed bill might include, nor are we expected to see it until the start of the session.
In March I created the following proposal for working on the new Ag Department bills that provide some information to help people see the existing division missions and outcomes shown as “Reference”, and my proposal for an update to the state agricultural support. I was starting by chartering the work under the authority of the Executive Budget Act that gives the legislature the duty and authority to define under AS 37.07.014, the mission, desired results, and performance expectations for state agencies. Its been 20 years since we did the job the EBA authorizes us to do. Following are my draft suggestions I created in March. I’d welcome any feedback.
(a) Mission Statement – PROPOSED
To grow the health and opportunity of Alaskans by promoting sustainable agricultural development, enhancing food security, advancing climate-adaptive industries, investing in innovation and entrepreneurial ecosystems that create resilient economic systems that reduce imports, increase exports, and multiply the value of agricultural activity across Alaska.
REFERENCE – Current Ag Division Mission from Finance SubCommittee 1/27/presentation “To promote and encourage development of an agriculture industry in the State” )
REFERENCE – 3/28/25 Farm Bureau presentation to Senate Resources – Suggested Mission/Vision Statements – Support, promote and encourage development of an agriculture (and mariculture) industry in Alaska that is viable, profitable and sustainable. Promote an economically stable agriculture (and mariculture) industry for Alaska that can enhance the quality of life for its people, create sustainability of its communities and environment, and encourages new business development opportunities for all Alaskans
(b) Desired Results – PROPOSED
The Department of Agriculture shall work to achieve:
- Increased local food production and community-based access.
- Creation of jobs and new ventures in agriculture and related industries.
- Growth in value-added processing and exports of Alaska agricultural goods.
- Adoption of innovative and climate-responsive agricultural technologies.
- Expanded agricultural education and youth participation statewide.
- Stronger regional food systems that support food sovereignty and economic diversification.
- Strategic use of Alaska’s evolving climate conditions and emerging industry opportunities.
REFERENCE – See above Current Mission from Finance SubCommittee 1/27/presentation and the following from the presentation:
REFERENCE – FY24 Accomplishments:
- Agricultural Revolving Loan Fund – provided over $6 million in loans supporting new or expanded agricultural and mariculture operations
- United States Department of Agriculture Grants – administered over $10 million in grants including Microgrants for Food Security, Specialty Crop Block Grants and Local Food Purchase Program
- Inspections – ensured over $100 million of agricultural products met domestic and international buyer requirements
- Future Farmers of America – 17 schools and over 450 enrollees
- Partnerships – hosted international trade activities with the Western U.S. Agricultural Trade Association and the Washington and Hawaii State Departments of Agriculture
- Feed Grain Reserve – 4 producers are currently under contract
- Plant Materials Center – cleaned about 50,000 pounds of native seed and over 96,000 pounds of cereal grains for commercial growers
- Plant Materials Center – provided over 40 varieties of foundation, disease-free seed potatoes (totaling over 1,000 pounds) for Alaska commercial potato producers FY2025 Priorities:
REFERENCE – FY26 Goals
- Administer the $2.2 million Regional Food Systems Infrastructure Grant
- Support getting more agricultural land into production
- Plant Materials Center infrastructure projects to increase seed cleaning capacity and efficiency
REFERENCE – 3/28/25 Farm Bureau presentation – Suggested Goals
- Increase production
- Market development – promote buying local at all market levels
- Increase economic viability in all types and sizes of farm & food businesses
- Improve transportation system
- Improve food security
- Assist with expanding infrastructure
- Increase access to capital
- Expand support programs statewide
- Improve access to and protect lands and waters suitable for farming
(c) Scope of Agricultural Activities – RROPOSED
For the purpose of setting program and policy priorities, “agricultural activities” shall be broadly interpreted to include:
- Mariculture and ocean farming, including shellfish, seaweed, and integrated aquaculture systems.
- Climate-change driven crop opportunities, such as expanded growing seasons, new cultivars, and carbon-smart agriculture.
- Hemp and marijuana industry infrastructure, including cultivation, processing, compliance, and market development.
- Local food systems, including regional food hubs, mobile processing, aggregation, and distribution.
- School and youth growing programs, such as classroom gardens, FFA/4H partnerships, farm-to-school procurement, and agricultural literacy.
- AgriTech innovation, including automation, controlled environment agriculture (CEA), vertical farming, drones, and smart systems.
- Value-added processing, encompassing packaging, preservation, fermentation, and small-scale food and fiber manufacturing.
- Statewide economic diversification efforts, especially those advancing community-based enterprises and non-extractive industries.
- Traditional Indigenous and Ecological Knowledge practices, in consultation with Tribes and Indigenous organizations.
- Arctic/Alaska Seed Bank Development, in partnership with academic and regional institutions (e.g., ISER, University of Hawaii, and Dewitt, Delta Junction).
- Export opportunity development, including participation in regional, national, and global trade in raw and value-added agricultural goods.
- Other programs or initiatives that support economic resilience, environmental stewardship, or community well-being through agriculture.
(d) Performance Measures and Outcomes – PROPOSED
The department shall report semiannually to the legislature on its progress using the following measures:
| Measure | Target Outcome |
| Jobs Created | Increase in new full-time and seasonal jobs in agriculture/mariculture |
| New Venture Creation | Growth in registered farms and agri-based enterprises |
| AgriTech Adoption | Farms implementing advanced or precision ag systems |
| Export Value | Total value of agricultural and processed goods exported |
| Value-Added Processing | Growth in in-state processing capacity and output |
| Local Food Security | Increase in in-state food production and access, especially in underserved regions |
(e) Implementation Requirements – PROPOSED
To comply with AS 37.07.014 and support results-based governance:
- The department shall align all planning and budgeting activities with this legislative guidance.
- Semiannual reporting shall include data, progress summaries, and recommendations for improvement.
- Collaboration with public, private, Tribal, and research institutions is encouraged to leverage innovation and investment.
- The department shall participate in statewide economic planning consistent with the Alaska Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS, 2022–2027).
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