Alaska legislators are moving forward with a plan to establish the Alaska Department of Agriculture, addressing food security concerns sparked by COVID-19. Governor Mike Dunleavy’s executive order will automatically create the new Department unless lawmakers vote against it in a joint session by March 22.
If no opposition arises, the Alaska Department of Agriculture will become official on July 1. Only Rhode Island and Alaska lack a cabinet-level agriculture department, with Rhode Island having the fewest farms nationwide.
Legislators signaled strong support for the proposal in two hearings on Wednesday. The House Resources Committee narrowly voted 4-3 against advancing a resolution that could have blocked the plan. Meanwhile, the snake resources committee reviewed the governor’s proposal and expressed support.
Currently, the Division of Agriculture operates within the Department of Natural Resources, where it competes for attention with oil and gas. DNR Commissioner John Boyle told lawmakers the change would prioritize farming and food security.
A standalone agriculture department would ensure that future governors prioritize farming even after Dunleavy’s term ends in two years. Senator Shelly Hughes chaired the state’s food strategy task force, which recommended creating a cabinet-level agriculture department. She emphasized the importance of having a commissioner to push agricultural policies.
The plan requires 13 new positions and $10 million in funding, which is $2.7 million more than the current agriculture division budget. No cuts are planned for the Department of Natural Resources.
The administration sees this as a foundational step with potential future agriculture and environmental oversight expansions. Agriculture groups, including the Alaska Farm Bureau and the Alaska Food Policy Council, testified in favor of the Department.
Representative Zack Fields argued the cost equals about $8 per Alaskan’s Permanent Fund dividend. Boyle believes the investment will strengthen food security and support Alaska’s agricultural economy.
This news article was originally published by Alaska Beacon.
