The Alaska Division of Agriculture announced on April 10 the opening of the Disaster Relief Program for Peony Producers, providing $1.2 million in financial assistance to eligible peony growers who suffered losses due to weather events in 2023 and 2024.
According to the program summary, funding comes from the Disaster Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2025, with distribution managed by the Farm Service Agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The assistance targets Alaska peony producers who experienced damage or loss of rootstock as a direct result of specific weather events between January 1, 2023, and December 31, 2024. Eligible weather events include abnormal rainfall causing root saturation or degradation, lack of snowfall leading to snow droughts that impact ground insulation for rootstock protection, and winter freeze/thaw cycles that disrupt dormancy periods.
Eligibility is limited to producers located in Alaska boroughs or unorganized boroughs who had an ownership share and production risk in their peonies during the affected period. Additional requirements specify citizenship or legal residency status and organizational structure as defined by federal regulations. Losses must exceed two percent damage to inventory for replanting claims or reflect multi-year economic loss projections based on production reductions over four years.
Payments will be calculated using formulas approved by the Farm Service Agency after all applications are processed. The payment factor will be determined following a review period when all applications have been received and verified for accuracy. Replant payments will be distributed as a lump sum after July 1, 2026; future economic loss payments may follow confirmation through site visits if deemed necessary by state officials.
The application window runs from April 10 through May 15, 2026. Applications must be complete and submitted or postmarked no later than May 15 at 5:00 p.m., Alaska Standard Time. Required documentation includes proof of farm ownership in Alaska, records supporting claims about inventory before and after eligible weather events, invoices for replanted rootstock if applicable, completed tax forms or vendor numbers, and written descriptions detailing qualifying weather incidents.
Personnel at the Alaska Division of Agriculture hold expertise in areas like agronomy and resource management according to the official website. The division allocates grants to support agricultural operations and food security while promoting sustainable farming practices aimed at boosting local food availability and community resilience according to its official website. It also maintains a Plant Materials Center on a dedicated site in Palmer for research purposes and recognizes contributions within agriculture through awards such as Farm Family of the Year according to its official website. The division operates under the umbrella of the Alaska Department of Natural Resources according to its official website.
Further details about eligibility criteria, application procedures, required documentation, and contact information can be found in the organization’s press release.
