Last Frontier News

Alaska's agriculture sector is set for potential growth in 2025, as outlined by Director Bryan Scoresby of the Alaska Division of Agriculture. Currently, Alaska imports about 95% of its food. To achieve complete self-sufficiency, the state would need to significantly increase its agricultural production, including a laying flock of approximately one million hens and various other crops and livestock.

"In the 1950s, Alaska produced about 50% of the food necessary to feed the residents," Scoresby noted. He added that increasing local production from 5% to 10% could double current acreages and outputs.

The state's agriculture industry has seen promising developments, with Alaska being a leader in new farm starts according to the 2022 Census of Agriculture. "Individuals who recently began a farming operation saw some economic value," Scoresby said.

Mia Kirk, a Natural Resource Manager with the Division, introduced several programs aimed at supporting agricultural industries. These include the Agricultural Revolving Loan Fund (ARLF) and other initiatives designed to bolster local farming efforts.

The Board of Agriculture and Conservation will meet on January 21, 2025, to discuss loan applications among other matters. The meeting is open to the public via Zoom.

Additionally, applications for the USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant Program open on January 15. This program aims to enhance the competitiveness of Alaska Grown specialty crops.

Brand registration renewals are due by March 1, 2025. The Division emphasizes that failure to renew may result in brands becoming available for others to register.

Casey Dinkel reported on updates from the Alaska Plant Materials Center (PMC), which will modernize its seed cleaning facility and add a new cold-storage barn in 2025. These improvements aim to increase efficiency and support growing demands within Alaska's agricultural sector.