Gov. Mike Dunleavy on Friday introduced the “CROP Act,” (Capital access, Revenue protection, and Open Procurement Act” as he continues his work strengthening Alaska’s food security.
According to the American Farmland Trust, there are just 990 farms in Alaska, comprising 849,753 acres of land, less today than the 881,585 acres that were under cultivation in 2007. The market value of the farming products in Alaska annually is $3,531,000 in goods sold directly to retail markets, institutions, and food hubs for local or regionally branded products.
With a generally warming weather pattern, farming is becoming more viable in the north.
“Alaska’s reliance on importing so much of our food creates a vulnerability. While we can’t change the weather, we can change policy to optimize Alaska’s agricultural output,” Dunleavy said. “Farming has always come with risks that are outside of man’s control. However, the CROP Act will reduce financial risks and cultivate an economic environment where Alaska’s food producers can succeed and Alaska can be more self-reliant. Furthermore, the legislation will also keep a greater percentage of money spent on food circulating within Alaska rather than flowing to producers out of state.”