Sitka Local Foods Network Honors Farmer, Meal Maker
A vegetable farm in Sitka and a packaged meal manufacturer from the Lower 48 that is expanding to Alaska are the prize winners at the 6th annual Sitka Food Business Innovation Contest.
Agriculture
USDA Rural Development Funding for a Hotel, Helicopter, and Seafood Processor
US Department of Agriculture grants and loan guarantees pay for village infrastructure upgrades, new fishing vessels, and a helicopter.
Sustainable Energy: Dishing Out Food Security
The 2nd annual Alaska Sustainable Energy Conference included a greater emphasis on the food system as an aspect of sustainability, compared to the inaugural year.
Say ‘Hi’ to Hydroponics
As supply chains lag and the cost of food continues to rise, the issue of food security has moved to the forefront, with several manufacturers, retailers, and innovators advocating for increased use of hydroponics to supplement food supplies.
Ag-in-a-Box Traveling Classroom Expands from Online to In-Person
Alaska Village Initiatives received a $28,000 grant to support The Amazing Ag-in-a-Box Traveling Classroom program, an in-person expansion of its online subsistence farming curriculum.
Repeat Winner of ‘Golden Carrot’ Award
For the second year in a row, the Alaska Department of Natural Resources’ “Golden Carrot” award for promoting locally grown products goes to The Roaming Root Cellar.
Research Team Adding Crops to New Houston Solar Farm
UAF has $1.3 million to grow vegetables, peonies, forage, and berries among the panels being installed at Alaska’s largest solar farm in Houston.
More Than $1M Bid on Farm Tracts Near Nenana
A special agricultural land auction near Nenana is the first phase of the state’s attempt to bring more farming to the 140,000-acre Nenana-Totchaket area.
Alaska Food Policy Council Unveils Action Plan
The Alaska Food Policy Council released its plan to increase the state’s food production from the current level of 5 percent of everything consumed.
Soldotna Shepherds Honored as 2022 Farm Family of the Year
Alaska’s 2022 Farm Family of the Year title goes to Martha Merry, Amy Seitz, and Jane Conway of Soldotna, who own and operate Lancashire Farm.