USDA Approves Alaska’s Industrial Hemp Program
The US Department of Agriculture approved the Alaska Division of Agriculture’s plan for industrial hemp production, to stay in compliance with federal law.
Agriculture
$1.8 Million in Food Security Grants
Two new US Department of Agriculture programs–the Micro-Grants for Food Security Program (MGFSP) and the Meat and Poultry Inspection Readiness Grant–are bringing $1.8 million to Alaska.
The Roaming Root Cellar Wins Golden Carrot Award
A small business in Fairbanks that grew from a bus to a storefront in a year has won the 2021 Golden Carrot award from the Alaska Department of Natural Resources in recognition of its Alaska Grown display creativity, support of Alaska Grown small businesses, and success during the fifth annual “Alaska Grown $5 Challenge” campaign.
New Owners Spare Palmer Slaughterhouse
Local livestock farmers will continue to have access to an Alaskan-owned, in-state slaughterhouse with the sale of Mt. McKinley Meat and Sausage to Todd and Sherrie Elsberry, who raise hogs in North Pole.
Seaweed, Strawberries, and Rhodiola Get Specialty Crop Grants
The Division of Agriculture has awarded $217,388 in Specialty Crop Block Grants to seven Alaska organizations as part of its effort to enhance Alaska’s food security and promote Alaska’s specialty crop industry.
Study: Cannabis Tops All Alaska Crops
Cannabis has a greater wholesale value than all other agricultural commodities in Alaska combined, according to a study by marijuana hub website Leafly.
2021 Fair Brings Return of End-of-Summer Rituals
After a one-year hiatus due to the pandemic, the Alaska State Fair was back in full swing this year, with guests returning to the fairground for a jam-packed schedule of Fair fun.
Allie Barker and Jed Workman are Alaska Farm Family of 2021
The owners and operators of Chugach Farm grow nutrient-dense food through sustainable and regenerative methods with a focus on living self-sufficiently.
Tlingit & Haida Completes Construction on New Greenhouse
Tucked behind the Edward K. Thomas building in Juneau is Tlingit & Haida’s new dome-shaped greenhouse. The project has been months in the making and is based on a vision for a tribal community garden to create food sovereignty.
June 11 Is Agricultural Education Day at the Nenana River Bridge
DNR’s agricultural division will present a full day’s program of information and demonstrations on Interior agriculture in general, as well as a new 140,000-acre land development.