Legislature(2025 - 2026)BARNES 124
02/12/2025 01:00 PM House RESOURCES
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| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| Presentation(s): Executive Order 136, Creating the Alaska Department of Agriculture | |
| HSCR1|| EO136 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| + | TELECONFERENCED | ||
| *+ | HSCR 1 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED | ||
^eo136
HSCR 1-DISAPPROVE EO 136
Executive Order 136
1:10:11 PM
CO-CHAIR BURKE announced that the next order of business would
be HOUSE SPECIAL CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 1, Disapproving
Executive Order No. 136.
1:10:32 PM
JOHN BOYLE, Commissioner, Department of Natural Resources, State
of Alaska, co-offered a PowerPoint regarding Executive Order 136
(EO 136) which would establish the Alaska Department of
Agriculture. [hard copy included in the committee packet] He
provided the committee with context, referring to 2020, early in
the Covid 19 pandemic, which exposed the tenuousness of the
supply chain with closed ports and the Canadian border closed.
For the Governor, it underscored how important food security was
for the state, raising the question of how Alaskans could become
more self-sufficient and more food secure.
COMMISSIONER BOYLE pointed out that a focus on agriculture would
create new opportunities for Alaskans interested in becoming
farmers and producing food. He described the history of farming
in Alaska when the state produced approximately 50 percent of
the food consumed and described the farming communities created
during the Great Depression. He emphasized the importance of a
cabinet level position who could work with agriculture-related
groups such as the University of Alaska, soil conservation
districts, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA),
and the Alaska Farm Bureau. He provided examples of when the
Department of Natural Resources (DNR) helped individuals find
markets for Alaska milk and agriculture products which resulted
in expanded operations, more economy of scale, and more
competitive products. He pointed out that local products are
fresher and have a longer shelf life. He reiterated his support
for an Alaska Department of Agriculture with a commissioner who
can lead initiatives, be a spokesperson, inform policy makers,
increase profitability, contribute to the state's economic
health, and leave future Alaskans with a rich agricultural
heritage.
1:23:17 PM
BRENT GOODRUM, Deputy Commissioner, Department of Natural
Resources, State of Alaska, co-offered a PowerPoint regarding
Executive Order 136, titled "Executive Order 136 Establishing
the Department of Agriculture" [hard copy included in the
committee packet]. He showed slide 2, titled "Alaska
Agriculture: Status Report," which read as follows [original
punctuation provided]:
• Robust Alaska agriculture is a long-held vision
• Hardy Alaskans are farming
• 2022 national census: 1,173 Alaska farms and ranches
produced about $39.7 million in crop value and $51.2
million in animal production
• So much more potential with dedicated, focused,
expert support
• Why grow agriculture?
• Greater food security and independence for Alaskans
• Further develop an important economic sector (jobs,
value chain benefits)
MR. GOODRUM summarized Alaska's agriculture history, pointing
out the symbol of agriculture featured on the Alaska state seal.
He explained that the Department of Agriculture created in 1945
by the territorial government became a division of DNR at the
time of statehood. He discussed the statistics from the 2022
USDA National Agricultural Statistical Service and described the
potential for additional growth. He pointed out that Alaska's
size and diversity, abundant lands, clean water, and an
expanding growing season could meet the need for greater food
security and independence, counteract supply line
vulnerabilities, and strengthen an important economic sector.
1:25:22 PM
MR. GOODRUM showed slide 3, titled "Executive Order 136," which
read as follows[original punctuation provided]:
Establishes the Alaska Department of Agriculture
• Transitions in full the Division of Agriculture from
the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to the new
department
• Statutory responsibilities, functions, do not change
• Provides transitionary measures for seamless
reorganization
• Effective July 1, 2025
MR. GOODRUM moved to slide 4, titled "Vision," which read as
follows:
• Governor's overarching goal: increase focus on
agriculture and food security with a dedicated
department and leadership
• Focus will help develop a robust, durable state
agricultural policy, including a strategic plan with
an implementation roadmap
• Continuation of the Governor's budget and
legislative policy actions following the COVID-19
pandemic to enhance food security in Alaska
• Aligns with top recommendations of task forces and
stakeholders
• New department is first step to provide solid
foundation for future growth
MR. GOODRUM reiterated Governor Dunleavy's focus on agriculture
and food security, emphasizing that a solely dedicated
department and leadership team would help develop a strategic
plan and drive statewide agricultural policies. He emphasized
the importance of a cabinet level seat to advocate for
agricultural solutions for Alaska. He showed slide 5, titled
"Improved results for Alaskans," which read as follows [original
punctuation provided]:
• Robust, durable agriculture policy with
implementation plan
• Stronger strategic alignment with stakeholder
groups, Alaska agriculture entities
• More consistent, proactive interaction with federal
partners
• Cabinet-level agriculture advocacy
Opportunity for greater legislative focus and
attention
1:28:56 PM
MR. GOODRUM briefly touched upon the diversity of DNR'S
programs, functions, and economics, including the Division of
Agriculture. He showed slide 6, titled "Today's Department of
Natural Resources," which read as follows [original punctuation
provided]:
• 1,054 employees (767 PFT, 215 PPT, 72 NP) across
seven divisions, two offices
• Led by commissioner supported by two deputies
• Statewide offices, programs and sites
• FY2025 Management Plan budget (all funds):
$173,399.3
• DNR returns $21 to the state treasury for every UGF
dollar appropriated
PFT: Permanent full-time
NP: Non-permanent
PPT: Permanent part-time
UGF: Unrestricted general fund
MR. GOODRUM emphasized the final point on slide 6, explaining
that the money DNR returns to the Alaska treasury amounts to
$1.8 billion. He moved to slides 7 and 8, which showed a
breakdown of the division, including funding, employees,
projects, functions, and areas of responsibility. Both slides
were titled "Today's Division of Agriculture," and read as
follows [original punctuation provided]:
Division Director
• Programs separated into Agriculture Development and
Plant Materials Center sections
• Employees: 37 total (32 PFT and 5 PPT)
• FY2025 Management Plan: $7,176.2 all funds
• Headquarters in Palmer
• Inspections, certifications
• Farm, production loans through Agricultural
Revolving Loan Fund
• Alaska Grown and other promotion (state, national,
international)
• Agricultural land sales / leases support
• Administers federal grants to Alaskans
• Future Farmers of America
• Seed storage and production, varietal trials
• Seed cleaning services rendered
• Revegetation and erosion control consulting
• Industrial hemp regulation
• Invasive plant, pest management
MR. GOODRUM next showed slide 9, titled "Tomorrow's Department
of Agriculture," which showed a proposed organization chart of
the proposed department. The slide also showed a break-down of
employees and funding and read as follows [original punctuation
provided]:
• Responsible leadership, organizational structures
• Primed for build-out over time with increased
programming, responsibilities
• Employees: 50 total (45 PFT and 5 PPT)
• FY2026 increment: $2,734.4 UGF
• Headquarters in Palmer
MR. GOODRUM moved to slide 10, titled "Costs New Positions,"
which outlined department positions and salaries. Slide 11 was
titled "Costs Comparison" and showed a break-down of the FY 25
and FY 26 budgets as well as a comparison of DNR/Division of
Agriculture and Department of Agriculture costs. He pointed out
that the budget not only would increase food security and grow
the agriculture sector but would also grow the production value
of Alaska agriculture.
MR. GOODRUM moved to slide 12, titled "Timeline," and slide 13,
titled "Transition work," which summarized the steps to create
the Alaska Department of Agriculture using EO 136, which read as
follows [original punctuation provided]:
Transition work includes:
- Stakeholder engagement / education
- Employee town hall
- Prepare and submit documents for position
reclassifications
- Post, hire and train new positions
- Governor appoints new commissioner
- Public-facing website updated and launched
- Update signage, public-facing access points on
buildings
- Work with the Division of Finance on changes to
Integrated Resource Information System (IRIS)
- Information Technology transitions
- Plan inter-departmental coordination with DNR /
lands
- July 1, 2025 Department of Agriculture is legal
operating entity
1:35:29 PM
RENA MILLER, Special Assistant to the Commissioner, Alaska
Department of Natural Resources, presented a sectional analysis
of Executive Order 136. She explained that most of the changes
were conforming changes such as revising wording to say
"department" rather than "division" or changing the words
"natural resources" to "agriculture." She discussed the
following changes outlined on slide 14, titled "Executive Order
136 Sectional Analysis," which read as follows [original
punctuation provided]:
Section 1, the Governor finds that it is in the best
interests of efficient administration to establish this the
Department of Agriculture and to transfer the functions of
DNR as they relate to agriculture to the new department.
Sections 2 through 21 goes into Title 3, regarding
different food responsibilities of the state which
separates and allocates responsibility to DNR or the
Department of Environment Conservation (DEC). Examples of
revisions in this section would include changing the
"Commissioner of Natural Resources" to "Commissioner of
Agriculture."
Section 22 is an amendment to Title 9.
Section 23 relates to the collection of fees under Title
37.
Section 24 through 29 reflects amendments to Title 38
relating to public lands. These changes update
consultations, so the commissioner of natural resources
would consult with the commissioner of agriculture on
behalf of the board of agriculture and conservation.
Section 30 through 36 apply to Title 38 as well as
referring to statutes related to the Natural Resource
Conservation and Development Board which is being renamed
the Soil and Water Conservation and Development Board to
better reflect its responsibilities under statute.
Sections 37 through 40 reflect amendments to Title 44,
including the addition of the Department of Agriculture to
the offices and departments of the state government and
adds the duties of the Department of Agriculture.
Section 41 repeals three statutes relating to the Division
of Agriculture within DNR.
Section 42 concerns revisor's instructions for changing
catchlines and titles.
Section 43 applies to transitional provisions concerning
non-statutory matters which would be carried forward to the
new Department.
Section 44 sets an effective date.
1:42:24 PM
MS. MILLER responded to a question from Representative Saddler
by acknowledging an EO does not need a fiscal note, but
specified there is a statement of cost included with the EO.
She asked the committee to direct questions regarding cost to
Mr. Goodrum.
1:43:03 PM
MR. GOODRUM, in response to Representative Saddler's question
concerning costs, growth, and responsibilities, stated that the
EO is an important first step to establishing a Department of
Agriculture in Alaska. He characterized it as a minimalist but
appropriate step to build upon. He drew the committee's
attention to the costs outlined on slides 9 and 10, relating to
the commissioner's office and support system.
1:45:18 PM
COMMISSIONER BOYLE addressed a question from Representative Elam
regarding whether DNR had reached out to boroughs or
municipalities, describing the process DNR used to set up the
proposed department. He pointed out a new department would be
geared to offer assistance to small family farms as well as
people who would like to have backyard chickens, goats, raised
bed gardens, or greenhouses. He explained that having a
department focused on agriculture is an asset to small farmers
in Alaska as well as large growers. Achieving economies of
scale would come from a greater involvement in agriculture.
1:49:20 PM
COMMISSIONER BOYLE responded to a question from Representative
Mears regarding whether other divisions would move to the new
department by explaining the new commissioner would determine
the most efficacious way to consolidate functions. Some things
would overlap well, but certain tasks would be better served in
other departments.
1:52:53 PM
MR. GOODRUM responded to questions from Representative Coulombe
regarding two divisions which would not be incorporated in the
Department of Agriculture. He explained that the state
veterinarian has an expansive list of responsibilities which
overlap departments. Similarly, there are several overlapping
programs that have federal primacy which would require further
evaluation.
1:54:47 PM
COMMISSIONER BOYLE added context to the question regarding the
state veterinarian, explaining the importance of taking a
measured approach, so the process would not be frontloaded with
lots of costs.
1:56:11 PM
COMMISSIONER BOYLE responded to a question from Representative
Fields by explaining that mariculture functions would continue
to be part of DNR within the Division of Mining, Land, and
Waters because there is a nexus between land leasing and land
management authorities. Regarding carbon sequestration, carbon
has impacts on state leasing and land management, and DNR is in
charge of state land leasing.
1:58:11 PM
COMMISSIONER BOYLE addressed a question from Representative
Saddler regarding whether an agriculture department would be
more efficient than the current agriculture division. He
explained that the efficiency would come from having a cabinet
level position which can advocate specifically for agriculture.
There are limitations regarding how much influence a division
director can have because the direction of the department and
the budgeting priorities are framed by the commissioner and then
framed by the governor. If the commissioner is more interested
in rocks than agriculture, it influences the scope of the entire
department. On the other hand, a commissioner of agriculture
could engage in local, state, and federal programs which would
result in more progress in the agricultural sector and would
have a positive impact on food security.
COMMISSIONER BOYLE responded to a question from Representative
Saddler as to whether a similar point could be made for oil and
gas by explaining that Alaska doesn't have trouble attracting
investment in oil and gas. The oil and gas division deals with
permitting, regulating, administering leases, and managing land.
There is not a need to attract more interest in oil and gas
investment. This contrasts with agriculture in Alaska where
changes in climate, lengthening growing seasons, and increased
interest in indoor vertical gardens provide opportunities for
investment. A commissioner dedicated to the agricultural sector
is in a better position to work with entities interested in
Alaska investment potential.
2:04:50 PM
COMMISSIONER BOYLE responded to a question from Representative
Hall regarding the Cooperative Extension Service by explaining
it is an outlet for individual farmers, prospective farmers, or
hobbyists to get tips or information regarding services; what
grows well in certain areas; and what the differences in climate
mean to farming. A commissioner of agriculture would strengthen
the ties between the University of Alaska, soil conservation
districts, the experimental farms, and government agencies.
2:07:41 PM
COMMISSIONER BOYLE responded to Representative Mear's question
regarding keeping the Division of Forestry in DNR instead of
moving it to the Department of Agriculture. He explained that
forestry and fire management work together and that fire
management is not a good fit for agriculture. In addition,
DNR's core mission is to focus on natural resources, so it makes
more sense to keep forestry in DNR.
2:10:19 PM
COMMISSIONER BOYLE, in response to a question from
Representative Rauscher, explained that kelp farming would be
considered part of mariculture and would currently stay in DNR.
2:11:30 PM
COMMISSIONER BOYLE responded to questions from Representative
Saddler and Co-Chair Burke regarding the potential of a
department of agriculture bringing more income into the state.
He explained that over time the department of agriculture could
attract more federal agriculture money to the state. The USDA
funding has not kept track of Alaska the way it has with other
states and has cut USDA programs in part because there was not a
dedicated commissioner working with Washington D.C. to advocate
for Alaska's interests. Additionally, a dedicated department
would be more sensitive to the interests of specific Alaska
stakeholders.
2:15:12 PM
COMMISSIONER BOYLE responded to several questions from
Representative Hall regarding personnel. He explained that the
division of agriculture would use the Department of
Administration to coordinate employment and that hiring
challenges were not anticipated due to the level of interest in
the new department. Additionally, many of the positions would
simply be transferred from the existing division to the new
department.
2:19:25 PM
MR. GOODRUM responded to a question from Representative Coulombe
by explaining that the Executive Order can't be amended, and
funding issues for the proposed department would be part of the
legislature's budgetary process.
2:20:31 PM
CALVIN ZUELOW, Staff, Representative Robyn Niayuq Burke, Alaska
State Legislature, read HOUSE SPECIAL CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO.
1 Disapproving Executive Order No. 136 into the record.
2:21:40 PM
CO-CHAIR BURKE opened public testimony on HSCR 1 and EO 136.
2:22:01 PM
ROBBI MIXON, Executive Director, Alaska Food Policy Council,
spoke in support of establishing the Alaska Department of
Agriculture. She emphasized that Alaska is only one of two
states in the United States without an agriculture department.
She said having an agriculture department would increase food
security, support local farmers, boost economic growth, and
result in affordable local food. It would enable expanded
research in Arctic agriculture, enhance disaster preparedness,
and help meet the needs of people living off the road system.
She responded to a question from Representative Fields regarding
balancing a lower permanent fund dividend with creating a new
department by explaining that she personally felt it was a good
investment.
2:26:28 PM
SCOT MUGRAGE, President, Alaska Farm Bureau, spoke in support of
establishing the Alaska Department of Agriculture. He explained
that he raised beef cattle as well as producing most of the feed
to sustain his herds. He listed his reasons for supporting the
new department as achieving sustainable food security; expanding
farm production; attracting new farmers; reducing dependence on
imported food; developing diverse climate-suited crops; creating
a more balanced trade environment; and reducing reliance on oil
and gas for state funding. He responded to a question from
Representative Fields regarding balancing a lower permanent fund
dividend with creating a new department by positing that the
lower cost of food would more than make up for the lower
dividend.
2:30:39 PM
MR. MUGRAGE responded to a question from Representative Coulombe
regarding the cost of fuel by explaining that as one of the
largest agriculture producers in Alaska, his use of fuel is
extensive. He explained how a department of agriculture would
help cut costs. He pointed out that Alaska quit making
investments both in three-phase power and in research to
increase production of small grains. However, with the addition
of geneticists and climate change technologies, Alaska farmers
can catch up with other states.
2:34:51 PM
BETH VAN SANDT, Representing Self, spoke in support of
establishing the Alaska Department of Agriculture. She
described her experience as a peony farmer in Homer and how she
has seen growth in the cut flower industry in Alaska. An
agricultural department would be able to research Alaska-
specific issues regarding pests, minerals, viruses, climate, and
soils as well as assist in developing agricultural tourism. She
explained that an agriculture department could assist in
establishing reliable transportation of fresh perishable
products not just peonies.
2:42:02 PM
INGA PETERSON, President, Alaska Future Farmers of America,
spoke in support of establishing the Alaska Department of
Agriculture. As a member of the Future Farmers of America
(FFA), she is part of a young workforce which is looking for
opportunities in agriculture and is interested in contributing
to their communities. She has worked on a peony farm and would
like to own her own peony farm as well as becoming an
agriculture educator in Alaska. A Department of Agriculture
would support FFA's goals as well as contribute to food security
and sustainability.
MS. PETERSON responded to questions from Representative Saddler
and Representative Coulombe by explaining that she became
involved in FFA when she was in 9th grade. The organization has
expanded beyond agriculture and now also teaches life skills
such as welding, public speaking, soil analysis, and machine
repair.
2:48:50 PM
CO-CHAIR BURKE, after ascertaining that there was no one else
who wished to testify, closed public testimony on HSCR 1 and EO
136.
2:49:01 PM
CO-CHAIR BURKE said she would entertain a motion to move
Executive Order 136 and House Special Concurrent Resolution No.
1 from committee.
REPRESENTATIVE MEARS moved to report EO 1 and HSCR 1 out of
committee.
REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER objected. He explained he wanted to
clarify that the committee just has to acknowledge that EO 136
was heard by the committee. "Our approval doesn't say
necessarily that we support it or approve it. But having HSCR 1
as well, which is kind of the antithesis, we're also just voting
to pass it through. We're not saying yes or no. Just to clarify
what the effect of the vote is."
CO-CHAIR BURKE stated that "just for clarification, we spoke
with legislative legal, and their request is that they go
together, concurrently, because they were co-related."
2:49:46 PM
The committee took an at-ease from 2:49 p.m. to 3:01 p.m.
3:01:18 PM
REPRESENTATIVE MEARS withdrew her motion and asked to restate
the motion.
REPRESENTATIVE MEARS moved to report Executive Order 136 from
committee. There being no objection, EO 136 was reported out of
committee.
REPRESENTATIVE MEARS moved to report HSCR 1 out of committee.
REPRESENTATIVE RAUSCHER objected.
CO-CHAIR BURKE asked if Representative Rauscher would like to
speak to his objection.
REPRESENTATIVE RAUSCHER said "no."
CO-CHAIR BURKE asked whether there was any discussion on the
objection and asked Representative Rauscher whether he
maintained his objection.
REPRESENTATIVE RAUSCHER said "yes."
REPRESENTATIVE COULOMBE said she wanted to clarify what was
being voted on.
CO-CHAIR BURKE clarified that it was the resolution [HSCR 1].
REPRESENTATIVE COULOMBE reiterated that the resolution rejects
the EO, so a "yes" vote means a vote to reject the EO, and a
"no" vote means "you don't want to reject the EO. It's a double
negative."
REPRESENTATIVE RAUSCHER pointed out that both can be moved
forward and then be decided in another committee how both of
them will be handled.
REPRESENTATIVE COULOMBE clarified what a yes vote means. The
resolution says the EO is rejected.
CO-CHAIR BURKE reiterated that it disapproves EO 136.
REPRESENTATIVE COULOMBE further clarified that so if she votes
"yes," that means, "Yes, I would like to disapprove the EO, and
'no' means I don't want to disapprove. A 'yes' means I want to
disapprove. Correct?"
CO-CHAIR BURKE said that was her understanding.
REPRESENTATIVE MEARS offered her understanding that they were
just moving it from committee and that they were not actually
voting on the resolution, so it's moving forward to the next
committee of referral.
REPRESENTATIVE RAUSCHER pointed out that the committee was
voting on whether or not to move the resolution from committee.
REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER specified, for the public, that the
question they were dealing with, as follows:
What was actually the effect of whatever vote they
take, whether the 'yes' is 'no' but also whether this
is actually formally taking a position on this
resolution or simply to pass it through. My
understanding, and what will motivate my vote, is to
know this is the final decision as stated by the
entire body, not just this committee. I understand
this vote is to move it through committee, not to
express my support or opposition to it, but simply to
advance it through the committee for a final decision
at a later place in the process. That's my
understanding.
CO-CHAIR BURKE said that was her understanding and that was the
recommendation the committee received from Legislative Legal
Services to move it along, so it moves with the executive order.
REPRESENTATIVE COULOMBE requested that the motion be repeated
before the vote.
REPRESENTATIVE MEARS explained that the motion was to move HSCR
1 from committee.
A roll call vote was taken. Representatives Hall, Mears, and
Burke voted in favor of moving HSCR 1 from committee.
Representatives Elam, Coulombe, Rauscher, and Saddler voted
against moving it from committee. Therefore, HSCR 1 failed to
move from the House Resources Standing Committee by a vote of 3-
4.
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| EO 136 Dept of Ag Statement of Cost 02.11.25.pdf |
HRES 2/12/2025 1:00:00 PM |
DNR presentation on EO 136 |
| EO136 Dept of Agriculture DNR presentation HRES 2.12.2025.pdf |
HRES 2/12/2025 1:00:00 PM |
DNR presentation on EO 136 |
| 2023-2024 AFSTF Recommendations.pdf |
HRES 2/12/2025 1:00:00 PM |
|
| exor0136.pdf |
HRES 2/12/2025 1:00:00 PM |
Executive Order 136 |
| Support for Dept of Ag 2-10-24.01d.pdf |
HRES 2/12/2025 1:00:00 PM |
HSCR 1 |
| Support for HSCR 1 - Tom Boutin.pdf |
HRES 2/12/2025 1:00:00 PM |
HSCR 1 |
| Support for HSCR 1 - Susan A.pdf |
HRES 2/12/2025 1:00:00 PM |
HSCR 1 |
| AFSTF Report 2024 FINAL.pdf |
HRES 2/12/2025 1:00:00 PM |
|
| EO136-Support-AK Farm Bureau 2.18.25.pdf |
HRES 2/12/2025 1:00:00 PM |
HSCR 1 |
| EO136-Support-AK Food Policy Council 2-17-2025.pdf |
HRES 2/12/2025 1:00:00 PM |
HSCR 1 |