Food & Farm Caucus
We are kicking off 2024 and the new session with our first Food and Farm Caucus meeting in the State Capitol this Wednesday at 5:15 in Room 205. The Food and Farm Caucus (F&F Caucus) started in 2022 when I, along with Senator Scott Kawasaki, Representatives George Rauscher, and Geran Tarr announced the formation of the caucus with the mission of supporting the agriculture industry, promoting locally products, and increasing food security. Empty store shelves during the pandemic period exposed our heavy dependence on food shipments from the lower-48, and with broad public support, the caucus was born with more than half the legislature joining.
Meanwhile, Gov. Dunleavy concluded a task force focused on food independence and security in early 2023 followed by a legislative task force which I now chair, the Alaska Food Strategy Task Force (AFSTF), which is continuing the work on this important priority. In our second year, and with 36 members (only 4 are legislators), the AFSTF is focused on moving forward recommendations from our first report. Some require legislative action, and some don’t. For those that do, we will look to the F&F Caucus for support.
The [Food and Farm] Caucus will work together to address issues…
The F&F Caucus will work together to address issues such as market access for farmers, direct farmer-to-consumer policies, the Agriculture Revolving Loan Fund, public institutions’ locally grown purchases, needed infrastructure, availability of agricultural lands, and so much more!
During our first meeting, we will review the 2023 Alaska Food Strategy Task Force recommendations, including those we expect in bill form. In addition, we will consider recommendations not yet drafted into bills or amendments including some brought to our attention during farm tours over the interim. Over the coming weeks, we will narrow down our priorities to focus on getting them across the finish line before the 33rd Legislature adjourns this Spring.
engaging with experts on the ground…instead of reliance on bureaucrats…
By engaging with experts on the ground – those in the field – instead of reliance on bureaucrats, we are pinpointing the gaps and will be able to make steady strides to improve food security in Alaska over time. Removing barriers, streamlining processes, improving transportation and other infrastructure, these are goals of the bipartisan and bicameral caucus which meets biweekly during this legislative session.
Stay tuned for more updates about the work and priorities of the F&F Caucus! Tremendous opportunities exist in Alaska’s agriculture industry that will both increase food security and provide new economic growth across our state. The Food and Farm Caucus is gearing up to do its best to open doors to those opportunities!
