The State of Alaska is investing $1 million for an Alaska Feed Grain Reserve Program to improve food and animal feed security for Alaskans. The money will be used to purchase feed grains grown in Alaska, by Alaskan farmers, to be stored, sold, and replenished in perpetuity.
The state recently updated regulations that open the door for industrial hemp production in Alaska and create a state-directed “endorsement” program through which industrial hemp products can be made and sold in Alaska.
Alaska’s 2023 Farm Family of the Year title goes to Marja Smets and Bo Varsano of Petersburg, who own and operate Farragut Farm.
To supplement their income, farmers have given their land a second life as tourist destinations, wedding venues, product-tasting sites, and more, benefitting the farms, locals, and visitors who get to spend memorable moments on some of the state’s most beautiful homesteads.
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.
US Department of Agriculture grants and loan guarantees pay for village infrastructure upgrades, new fishing vessels, and a helicopter.