Legislature(2025 - 2026)BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
02/13/2025 01:30 PM Senate SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON ARCTIC AFFAIRS
Note: the audio ![]()
and video ![]()
recordings are distinct records and are obtained from different sources. As such there may be key differences between the two. The audio recordings are captured by our records offices as the official record of the meeting and will have more accurate timestamps. Use the icons to switch between them.
| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| Presentation(s): Farming in the North: Partnering Research and Industry for Alaska | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| + | TELECONFERENCED | ||
ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE
SENATE SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON ARCTIC AFFAIRS
February 13, 2025
1:33 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Senator Cathy Giessel, Chair
Senator Gary Stevens, Vice Chair
Senator Bill Wielechowski
Senator Scott Kawasaki
MEMBERS ABSENT
Senator Donald Olson
OTHER LEGISLATORS PRESENT
Senator Shelley Hughes
COMMITTEE CALENDAR
PRESENTATION(S): FARMING IN THE NORTH: PARTNERING RESEARCH AND
INDUSTRY FOR ALASKA
- HEARD
PREVIOUS COMMITTEE ACTION
No previous action to record
WITNESS REGISTER
JODIE ANDERSON, Director
Institute of Agriculture
Natural Resources and Extension
University of Alaska Fairbanks
Palmer, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Co-presented a slideshow titled "Farming in
the North: Partnering Research and Industry for Alaska."
AMY SEITZ, Policy Director
Alaska Farm Bureau
Soldotna, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Co-presented a slideshow titled "Farming in
the North: Partnering Research and Industry for Alaska."
SCOTT MUGRAGE, President
Alaska Farm Bureau
Delta Junction, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Co-presented a slideshow titled "Farming in
the North: Partnering Research and Industry for Alaska."
KEN HOFFMAN, Executive Director
Alaska Farm Bureau Mat-Su Chapter
Palmer, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Co-presented a slideshow titled "Farming in
the North: Partnering Research and Industry for Alaska."
RITA JO SHOULTZ, Secretary/Treasurer
Alaska Farm Bureau
Fritz Creek, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Co-presented a slideshow titled "Farming in
the North: Partnering Research and Industry for Alaska."
ACTION NARRATIVE
1:33:54 PM
CHAIR GIESSEL called the Senate Special Committee on Arctic
Affairs meeting to order at 1:33 p.m. Present at the call to
order were Senators Wielechowski, Kawasaki, and Chair Giessel.
Senator Stevens arrived thereafter.
^PRESENTATION(S): Farming in the North: Partnering Research and
Industry for Alaska
PRESENTATION(S): Farming in the North:
Partnering Research and Industry for Alaska
1:34:25 PM
CHAIR GIESSEL announced a presentation from the Institute of
Agriculture and the Alaska Farm Bureau.
1:34:58 PM
JODIE ANDERSON, Director, Institute of Agriculture, Natural
Resources and Extension, University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF),
Palmer, Alaska, introduced herself. She stated that, in addition
to focusing on Alaska's Arctic region, her presentation would
include information about agriculture in other areas of the
Circumpolar North. She noted that some of the data on her slides
is taken from presentations given by researchers at the 2023
Circumpolar Agricultural Conference. She emphasized that the
data presented helps to ground the discussion in the circumpolar
world. She advanced to slide 2, containing a map highlighting
the following Arctic Council member states and observers:
[Original punctuation provided.]
Circumpolar Agriculture Includes Alaska
Arctic Council Member States and Observers
• United States (due to Alaska)
• Canada
• Kingdom of Denmark, incl. Greenland and Faroe
Islands
• Iceland
• Norway
• Sweden
• Finland
• Russian Federation
1:38:14 PM
MS. ANDERSON advanced to slide 3, Circumpolar Food Security
Includes Agriculture. Slide 3 contains a portion of a food
security index and shows that the United States ranks 13th out
of the 113 countries included in the study. She explained that
one of the metrics that keeps Alaska from inclusion in the top
10 countries with respect to food security is availability. She
pointed out that the US has a food availability rating of 65.1,
which she attributed to a nationwide reduction in agricultural
research. She noted that three circumpolar countries rank in the
top five. She emphasized that arctic agriculture is an important
part of a strong, secure food system. She indicated that the
Alaska could learn from other regions within the Circumpolar
North that are successfully combating many of the issues Alaska
faces.
1:39:59 PM
MS. ANDERSON advanced to slide 4 and discussed commonalities
between Alaska, Norway, Iceland, and Finland:
[Original punctuation provided.]
We share more than latitudes
Norway
• Arctic Norway agriculture
• Short and cool growing season and long winter
season.
• 0.8 percent of total land area is cultivated
• Mainly dairy and meat producers
• 5 percent produce horticultural products
• Multi-functional farms.
Challenges:
• A decline in the population in many rural
municipalities
• The number of farmers has more than halved the
last two decades - from 6000 farmers to todays
3000 farmers.
• Centralization
Iceland
• Iceland's geographical position limits the
assortment of food of plant origin that can be
produced
• Huge fish export
• International trade of food is of great
importance for Iceland
• But at the same time, we need to protect our
agriculture to avoid the effects of international
threats to food security
Finland
• 98 000 farms (1995)- under 50 000 farms (2020)
• Average farm size 51 hectares (EU 15 ha; USA 180
ha)
• Average farmer age is 53 years
• 86 percent family-run farms
• Almost 70 percent plant production
• Little less than 30 percent livestock (dairy)
• Around 14 percent organic farm
1:41:15 PM
MS. ANDERSON advanced to slide 5 and discussed agriculture in
the Arctic:
[Original punctuation provided.]
Agriculture in Alaska Norway the Arctic
Challenges and costs
• Increased winter stress - less snow cover and
unstable winters
• Challenging hardening conditions for perennial
crops
• More autumn/spring rain
• Flooding and erosion
• Soil compaction
• Harvest failure (cereal, potato, vegetables)
• More weeds, pests, and diseases
• Dry Summers - summer drought, lower yield
How to ensure resilience in the food production under
climate change?
• Strong need for new resilient plant varieties
that are adapted to the new climate conditions -
varieties which can produce high quality food for
a growing human population
We need species/cultivars which:
• Can utilize the prolonged growing season
• Are winter hardy
• Keep photosynthetic activity late summer/autumn
• Have low respiration rate in darkness
They have to be adapted to the light conditions in the
North.
MS. ANDERSON emphasized that Arctic countries share these
unique, region-specific challenges. She stated that, while it is
a good place to start, Alaska cannot rely solely on research
done in other parts of the US. Instead, the focus should be on
Alaska-based research. In addition, the research should extend
to other regions of the Circumpolar North in order to solve the
larger, shared problems (e.g. sunlight hours).
1:42:57 PM
MS. ANDERSON advanced to slide 6 and provided an overview of the
University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) Institute of Agriculture,
Natural Resources, and Extension (IANRE):
[Original punctuation provided.]
UAF Institute of Agriculture, Natural Resources and
Extension
UAF Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station
Where Our Research Happens
• 2,340 acres of farmland
• 2 Experiment Farms
• 1 Botanical Garden
• 7 Research labs
• 11,608 square feet of greenhouse space
UAF Cooperative Extension Service
Our Outreach Efforts Are Statewide
• 350+ Informative publications on everything from
planting food to keeping your home safe
• 300+ Classes, taught by experts and offered
across the state
• 2200+ Youth served through 4-H programs statewide
1:44:01 PM
MS. ANDERSON advanced to slide 7, UAF Institute of Agriculture,
Natural Resources and Extension, containing a map showing
research locations statewide and an infographic to illustrate
the institute's work cycle. She explained that the gold dots
indicate cooperative extension offices, while the tractors
indicate research areas. She pointed out that cooperative
extension offices are found throughout the state; however, there
are none in the northern region. She explained that Ilisagvik
College in Utqiagvik, Alaska has its own cooperative extension
office that monitors and works with those on the North Slope.
MS. ANDERSON emphasized that IANRE is community centered. She
explained that stakeholders guide the institute's research.
IANRE outreach includes teaching that research to stakeholders
in order to increase productivity, food safety, etc. While the
institute also conducts forestry research, today's presentation
focuses on agricultural research.
1:46:06 PM
MS. ANDERSON advanced to slide 8, UAF Agricultural Research
Success, containing various images and graphs. She directed
attention to the image on the upper left and explained that
these are fresh strawberries from the greenhouse on the UAF
campus. This is part of a horticultural research project that
evaluates the use of LED light as a high impact, low energy
consumption product that increases hothouse plant productivity.
She stated that greenhouses provide the ability to grow year-
round. She briefly described additional research related to
greenhouse lighting and plant productivity. She directed
attention to the graph on the bottom left of slide 8 and
explained that this includes data for tomato varieties and
various lighting sources. She briefly described the research and
noted the increased production and high quality of the tomatoes.
She explained that IANRE has switched to LED lighting in all its
greenhouses. She said this research provides data on efficient
light capture that the institute can share with producers.
1:46:06 PM
MS. ANDERSON directed attention to the soil image on slide 8.
She briefly discussed soil research, which provides data on the
soils across Alaska. She emphasized that this data enables
producers to sustainably increase production. She briefly
discussed soil health, cover crops, and crop rotation. She
explained that the use of cover crops helps to maintain soil
health. She noted that, typically, there is no direct economic
benefit to utilizing cover crops. IANRE is conducting research
to find cover crops that also have a market value. These crops
would provide long-term soil benefits as well as offering
farmers an intermediate financial benefit.
1:51:40 PM
MS. ANDERSON directed attention to image of a plant with slugs
on slide 8. She stated that slugs are a common pest and briefly
discussed pest management in the Arctic. She highlighted climate
change and pest migration. She emphasized that research must be
responsive. She briefly discussed the slug research. She said
more pest research is needed and emphasized that this is an
increasing concern across the Arctic.
1:53:04 PM
MS. ANDERSON continued to discuss slide 8. She highlighted
images of barley and wheat and briefly discussed plant breeding
research. She directed attention to graphs on the far right of
slide 8. She explained that these graphs include plant breeding
data for barley, wheat, and oat. She briefly described the
research, highlighting the "check" varieties for each crop. She
explained that the "check" variety represents the standard, and
many Alaskan producers use these varieties. In this case, the
researcher has utilized plant varieties that have been
successful in other areas of the Circumpolar North and, through
plant breeding, has successfully increased plant production
rates - in some cases to 130-150 percent compared to the "check"
varieties. She stated that UAF has successfully hired early
career researchers who understand that Alaska has fallen behind
on in-state agricultural research. Those researchers are
utilizing current technologies and are making great strides
toward advancing Alaska's agricultural research.
1:56:22 PM
CHAIR GIESSEL commented that rye is a hardy grain grown by many
Northern European countries; however, she observed that rye is
not grown in Alaska.
MS. ANDERSON clarified that rye is grown in Alaska; however, it
is not included in the institute's research, as there is not as
much demand. She explained the demand for barley, wheat, and
oat. Barley is for animal feed and human consumption. Wheat is
for human consumption. Oats are for animal feed. She emphasized
that these are the three most critical grains, and the research
is driven by producers' need. She indicated that rye would be a
topic of research in the future.
1:57:21 PM
MS. ANDERSON advanced to slide 9, containing a variety of
agricultural images, and discussed future agricultural research
opportunities. She briefly discussed camelina, which is an oil
seed similar to canola oil. Two years of trail research have
been successful and camelina may perform well in the interior of
Alaska. Research is also evaluating the potential for winter
camelina, wheat, and barley. She briefly discussed winter
planting in Alaska. Research has found success in those crops,
allowing for an early harvest followed by a fall planting for
the winter cycle. She briefly discussed the potential use of
camelina as an oil seed crop. She noted that the infrastructure
is lacking but the research is moving forward. She added that
this could be a biofuel market opportunity. Camelina oil is also
human consumable.
1:58:08 PM
SENATOR STEVENS joined the meeting.
MS. ANDERSON continued to discuss slide 9. She explained that
the institute used food security capital funds to hire a
livestock nutritionist. This research will focus on feeding kelp
to beef calves, evaluating the supplemental nutrition
opportunities (rather than using kelp as a feed replacement).
She briefly described this research and the benefits it would
offer industry stakeholders. In addition, IANRE is using federal
agricultural research funding to conduct a kelp variety trial.
This evaluates the environmental characteristics that each
variety of kelp requires for optimal growth. This will benefit
Alaska's kelp farmers.
2:01:28 PM
SENATOR KAWASAKI asked for an example of how research is driven
by the needs of the private market vs research ideas.
2:01:54 PM
MS. ANDERSON replied that 80 percent of the research is driven
by producers. She offered an example to illustrate how IANRE
hears issues from farmers and considers where institute
expertise overlies those questions and concerns. The overlap
enables the research to address those needs. She acknowledged
that there are more questions than there are researchers
available to conduct the necessary studies. IANRE is mandated to
receive information from stakeholders and all research is
directly in support of Alaska. She reiterated that 80 percent of
the research is industry/producer driven and 20 percent is
driven by researcher interest.
2:02:57 PM
SENATOR KAWASAKI noted that IANRE depends on federal funding and
asked whether there is concern about future funding.
MS. ANDERSON replied that at this point there has been little
concern. She explained that much of IANRE funding comes directly
from USDA and there has not been much of a funding freeze
through USDA.
2:03:44 PM
SENATOR GIESSEL noted the discussion of kelp and asked whether
mariculture comes under agriculture.
MS. ANDERSON replied no. She explained that mariculture falls
under the UAF College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences. She
briefly discussed the Alaska Sea Grant Marine Advisory Program
(MAP) and explained that UAF is a land grant program. She
acknowledged that the institute must do more to communicate with
Alaska Sea Grant. She opined that the kelp study is a good
example of crossover research and clarified that the researchers
for that study are in the UAF College of Fisheries and Ocean
Sciences.
2:05:11 PM
CHAIR GIESSEL directed attention to the image of cows on slide
9. She wondered if they are eating rhubarb.
MS. ANDERSON replied that the cows are eating kale. She
explained that the researcher specializes in nutrition through
local foods, which producers have requested. She noted that
Alaska producers depend on imported supplements and feed.
Switching to local feed and supplementation would reduce input
costs, increase productivity, and increase economic viability.
2:06:11 PM
SENATOR STEVENS quipped that if the cows eat the kale, he will
not have to.
MS. ANDERSON laughed and said many people share this sentiment.
She offered more detail regarding the practice of feeding kale
to cows and explained that the nutritionist is researching
combinations of a variety of Alaska grown ingredients that would
provide the cows with adequate nutrition.
MS. ANDERSON turned her attention to the image of cover crops on
slide 9. She explained that this is an innovative cover crop
study evaluating the use of economic crops that also provide a
particular service to the soils in Alaska. She briefly
highlighted an image of a row of greenhouse tomatoes with LED
lighting. She then turned to an image of midnight sunflowers,
which are the focus of a multi-year research project. She
briefly discussed that project and noted that research projects
often result in partnerships with other US-based research
centers, as well as those in the Circumpolar North.
2:09:10 PM
MS. ANDERSON advanced to slide 10 and discussed the importance
of research. Slide 10 contains a variety of agriculture images.
She directed attention to the image of a family taking part in a
potato harvest and shared an anecdote to illustrate the role
that research plays in feeding families, increasing production,
and engaging future generations of Alaskans with local food and
local production. She emphasized that the research is critical
and the outcome even more so.
2:10:30 PM
MS. ANDERSON advanced to slide 11, and discussed program
funding, noting that she became director in 2023:
[Original punctuation provided.]
Our Funding Success
Since FY23...
Percent Increases
• 55 percent ICR Funds
• 262 percent Competitive Funds
• 70 percent Capacity Project Participation
MS. ANDERSON explained that capacity funds come from the federal
government and are non-competitive. She said there has been a
significant amount of excitement regarding the IANRE multi-state
collaborative research projects. She emphasized that the
institute's success is due to the dedicated effort of its
faculty, staff, and researchers despite funding limitations.
2:11:39 PM
MS. ANDERSON advanced to slide 12, and discussed how the
institute is impacted by federal funding and the resulting 1-1
match requirements. Slide 12 contains a bar chart showing state
funding versus capacity match for fiscal years (FY) 2020-2025.
She explained that the capacity funds require a state funding
match. The percentage of IANRE funding that is put towards
federal match has increased since FY 2020. She surmised that the
percentage will likely be 95 percent for the upcoming fiscal
year. She emphasized the importance of adequate state funding,
which creates greater investment opportunity and growth
potential. She explained that many states include a line-item in
the state budget to cover the match.
2:13:12 PM
MS. ANDERSON advanced to slide 13 and discussed the IANRE FY 26
funding request. Slide 13 contains several images of agriculture
and value-added products, as well as graphics for the
cooperative extension and 4-H programs. Funding requests include
$200,000 program funding and $5 million for capital research.
She explained that the capital research would include increased
food safety research and several scientist and researcher
positions. Those funds would also apply to projects that would
strengthen Alaska's food system and would increase capacity
within the 4-H program. The program funding increase would help
the institute develop a research program focused on utilizing
fish and mariculture waste as soil amendments in Kodiak. She
briefly explained that program, which would utilize existing
infrastructure.
2:14:23 PM
MS. ANDERSON advanced to slide 14 and discussed how IANRE plans
to use future funding. She emphasized that this list was
compiled from the requests and needs of constituents and
stakeholders across the state:
[Original punctuation provided.]
Future plans as we get funding
• Agronomist
• Ag Engineer
• Ag Hydrologist
• Ag Economist
• Floriculturist
• Horticulturist
• Hydroponics/Vertical Growing
• Livestock (non-ruminant)
• Livestock (ruminant)
• Pomologist
• Weed Scientist
• Plant Geneticist (horticulture)
MS. ANDERSON explained that IANRE does not currently have
specialists in these areas and is planning to request one
position per specialization. The programs can later expand to
include more positions. She emphasized that this is what Alaska
needs and what Alaskans have asked for. She asserted that this
would increase opportunities for Alaskan agriculture and would
potentially make Alaska a leader in arctic agricultural
research.
2:16:04 PM
AMY SEITZ, Policy Director, Alaska Farm Bureau, Soldotna,
Alaska, introduced herself and began part 2 of the slideshow
presentation Farming in the North: Partnering Research and
Industry for Alaska. She advanced to slide 2 and briefly
outlined the presentation:
[Original punctuation provided.]
Overview Alaska Agriculture
Scott Mugrage
Mugrage Hay and Cattle
Ken Hoffman
Mat-Su Microgreens
Rita Jo Shoultz
Alaska Perfect Peony
2:16:47 PM
MS. SEITZ advanced to slide 3 and provided a brief history of
farming in Alaska:
[Original punctuation provided.]
Brief Look - Pre-Statehood Events
1700s: Russians had small agriculture colonies around
the state
1867: U.S. purchased Alaska
1888: Holy Cross missionary producing most of their
food needs
1898: Alaska Homestead Act (not super successful due
to survey requirement); Funding approved for
experiment stations and Charles Georgeson came to
Alaska
1906: Forest Homestead Act - allowing some areas in
national forests to be homesteaded
1919: Pilgrim Hot Springs orphanage farming
1920s: Alaska Railroad campaigns in Midwest for
farmers to come to Alaska
1922: Alaska Agricultural College and school of Mines
opens
1934: Matanuska Colony
MS. SEITZ emphasized that there have been many efforts to begin
commercial agriculture in Alaska and acknowledged that farming
in Alaska is challenging.
2:20:06 PM
MS. SEITZ advanced to slide 4 and highlighted the benefits and
challenges to commercial agriculture in the Arctic. She
emphasized that what is a challenge in one instance is often a
benefit in another:
[Original punctuation provided.]
Benefits and Challenges to Northern Climates
• Cooler Soil Temperatures
• Long summer daylight hours
• Long, cold, dark winters
• Lighter Parasite/Pest Loads
• Geothermal
• Clean environment/virgin soils
• Limited information/knowledge
• Rich with Resources
• Lack of Infrastructure
• Distance from States - access to markets
• Late frost days - benefit and challenge
MS. SEITZ commented that it would be beneficial to have
researchers at the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) to
research these issues and help farmers to produce economically
viable crops. She said that researchers could also help farmers
build off the benefits and find ways to work with the
challenges, thus increasing efficiency and productivity.
Increasing outputs and decreasing inputs would help keep costs
down and would increase the number of successful commercial
farms.
2:22:55 PM
MS. SEITZ advanced to slide 5 and discussed the variety of
products grown in Alaska. She emphasized the large number of
crops and animal products that farmers can grow. She said that
many of those products can be made available year-round with the
proper storage and processing. In-state shipment is also
possible. She stated that large-scale production is improving.
Farmers do the majority of the work, with support from the
University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) when possible. She
emphasized that an understanding of how to grow efficiently in
Alaska is key to expanding the state's agricultural industry.
2:24:30 PM
MS. SEITZ advanced to slide 6, containing a variety of
agriculture images, and discussed the potential for research and
industry to work together. She highlighted Pilgrim Hot Springs.
She noted the high temperature of the hot springs and explained
that this creates the potential for year-round production. She
briefly explained that Pilgrim Hot Springs began producing crops
in the early 1900s and would now like to increase production and
feed the local community. Support from UAF is limited. She
explained that an agricultural engineer, agricultural economist,
and plant breeders are needed; however, these are not available
through UAF at this time. She briefly explained that Pilgrim Hot
Springs has begun to increase production utilizing the available
geothermal heat. She encouraged committee members to learn more
about this project.
MS. SEITZ surmised that there are over 100 hot springs around
Alaska and emphasized the potential for growers to utilize the
research and expertise available through UAF to increase their
production. She emphasized the need for an agricultural
engineer, agricultural economist, and for research into the best
plant varieties for Alaska, in order for Alaskan farms to be
economically viable. She emphasized the importance of economic
viability, and the contributions farmers make to Alaska. She
reiterated that there is great potential for agricultural
growth, which would increase the statewide impact of Alaska's
agricultural industry.
2:28:23 PM
MS. SEITZ asked if anyone recognized the contents of the jar on
slide 6.
SENATOR GIESSEL guessed that the jar contained peanuts.
MS. SEITZ said the jar holds soybeans grown on the Kenai
Peninsula. She pointed out that many believe soybeans will not
grow in Alaska and the success of this small crop illustrates
the untapped - and unknown - potential Alaskan agriculture
holds. She reiterated that more research and support is needed
to increase growth efficiency (i.e. low input, high output).
2:29:35 PM
MS. SEITZ advanced to slide 7 and provided a snapshot of Alaska
Agriculture. Slide 7 includes data from the USDA Census for
Agriculture for 1982, 2002, and 2022. She noted that, prior to
2000, there was minimal increase in the number of farms.
However, the value of crops sold has increased consistently
while the farm acreage has remained roughly the same. She
explained that agricultural research played an important role in
this shift. After 2000, the number of Alaskan farmers also
increased. She opined that this number could grow more quickly
if the farmers had the necessary support. She surmised that the
growth since 2000 is related to key organizations that have
dedicated staff to expanding the agricultural industry. She
argued that the more support farmers receive, the more the
agricultural industry will continue to grow. She pointed out
that the number of families the farms support is increasing.
There are multiple farmers per farm, and thus many farms support
multiple families.
2:31:22 PM
SCOTT MUGRAGE, President, Alaska Farm Bureau, Delta Junction,
Alaska, said he is also on the American Farm Bureau board of
directors. He provided a brief overview of his work in the
Alaska agriculture industry. He said he currently operates a
family farm in Delta Junction.
2:32:08 PM
MR. MUGRAGE advanced to slide 9, containing several images of
cattle in winter. He directed attention to the image on the
upper left and explained that raising cattle in Alaska is a
challenge, particularly in harsh winter conditions. He briefly
described the circumstances surrounding the images and
highlighted the interplay between environmental conditions,
extreme weather conditions, and animal health. He emphasized
that extreme winter weather conditions (e.g. temperatures lower
than 40 degrees below zero for an extended period) are uncommon
and that, in general, farmers can overcome the challenges that
arise. He said there is a federal program that assists farmers
with these issues. He added that, when animals die, farmers
offer the carcasses to trappers who use the meat to trap farm
predators. He briefly described the remaining images on slide 9.
He explained that a lack of infrastructure is the primary
challenge for Alaskan livestock farmers.
2:34:54 PM
MR. MUGRAGE advanced to slide 10, containing images of fields
with crops and fields with cattle. He commented on the potential
for an extended season in Alaska. He explained that the images
show cover crops and hay. He briefly described the process of
utilizing concentrated windrow grazing to extend the livestock
grazing season into winter. He highlighted the benefits of this
method of regenerative farming, which does not require fuel or
human labor and cycles nutrients back into the soil. He noted
that this method typically adds 8-12 weeks to the season,
barring an early hard freeze. He briefly discussed barley
production and grain storage shortfalls. He emphasized that
agricultural challenges are not unique to Alaska. He added that
federal support provides safety nets for those challenges. He
briefly discussed hay production.
2:38:05 PM
SENATOR STEVENS recalled that, during World War II (WWII), Bells
Diary in Kodiak provided dairy to thousands of servicepeople. He
shared his understanding that the dairy eventually closed due to
the high cost of production and the cheaper cost of importing
dairy from other states. He opined that infrastructure for in-
state hay production and harvest could allow dairies to
flourish.
MR. MUGRAGE agreed. He briefly shared about his farm's hay
production, noting that he ships hay as far as the Kenai
Peninsula. He asserted that Alaskan farms could produce enough
hay to fulfill the needs of Alaskan farmers; however, the
infrastructure required to transport the hay across state is not
available. He emphasized that in some cases (e.g. when shipping
to the Kenai Peninsula), the cost to transport the hay is
greater than the cost of the hay. He suggested that finishing
the railroad spurs to Delta and to Point Mackenzie would provide
greater mobility. He pointed out that Alaska is the largest
state and inexpensive transport is necessary to move
agricultural products across the state. He briefly discussed how
a portion of the product could be exported via Port Mackenzie
and a portion could be sold to Alaskan farmers. He reiterated
and emphasized the need for transportation infrastructure for
the inexpensive, in-state transport of agricultural products.
2:40:37 PM
SENATOR STEVENS agreed. He added that the Port of Anchorage
could easily reach locations across Alaska.
MR. MUGRAGE agreed.
2:40:50 PM
KEN HOFFMAN, Executive Director, Alaska Farm Bureau Mat-Su
Chapter, Palmer, Alaska, advanced to slide 10 and provided a
brief work and education history. He highlighted his path to
becoming a farmer and opening Mat-Su Microgreens.
2:41:38 PM
MR. HOFFMAN advanced to slide 11, containing images of crops in
the field and a market display for fresh microgreens. He
continued to share the story of how his farming career began. He
highlighted the small size of his farm, which was able to
produce 1,000 lbs. of salad greens in its first year. He said
the farmer's market price for "spring mix" greens is around
$20/lb., resulting in $20,000 in sales from less than 1/20th of
an acre.
2:42:58 PM
MR. HOFFMAN advanced to slide 12, containing images of a salad,
trays of sprouts, and trays of microgreens. He explained that he
later diversified into microgreens, which allowed him to grow
year-round. He explained the difference between "sprouts" and
"microgreens," and explained that the former is a processed
product while the latter is an agricultural product. He
described the process of growing microgreens. He shared the
process of testing various microgreens and producing those
microgreens for home delivery. He explained that customers would
order up-front, and he would grow the microgreens to order. Over
time, his customer base expanded to include restaurants in
Anchorage and Girdwood. He is currently operating out of a 500
square ft. barn and has expanded his crops to include many
gourmet products, including edible flowers.
MR. HOFFMAN continued to discuss his microgreens business and
emphasized how much he enjoys his work. He stated that
microgreens are 40 times more nutrient dense than broccoli and
require few inputs. He briefly described how it would be
possible to grow microgreens in the Arctic and emphasized the
year-round benefit this could provide to those communities.
2:46:00 PM
MR. HOFFMAN advanced to slide 12, containing images of outdoor
berry plants and quarts of strawberries. He described plans to
expand into beekeeping and berries. He said that many farmers
grow annual crops and a particular crop's success is evident
within a single year. He explained that berries and other
perennial crops pose a challenge, as it can take up to ten years
to show success or failure. He stated that he is passionate
enough to try these crops despite the barriers to entry. He
asserted that a third party is needed to research these types of
crops and determine whether they are viable in Alaska and opined
that UAF Institute of Agriculture is the best candidate for that
task.
2:47:21 PM
CHAIR GIESSEL commented that Mr. Hoffman represents the future
of farming in Alaska.
2:47:35 PM
RITA JO SHOULTZ, Secretary/Treasurer, Alaska Farm Bureau, Fritz
Creek, Alaska, introduced herself and provided a brief history
of her work in the agriculture and horticulture industries. She
said she is also the chair for Certified American Grown. She
emphasized that Alaskan floriculture is a budding industry with
a great deal of potential. She shared that she previously owned
a retail garden center and grew 500 varieties of Alaska-hardy
plants.
2:48:45 PM
MS. SHOULTZ advanced to slide 16, containing an image of a man
on an all-terrain vehicle. She explained that this image is of
her late husband as he makes plans for planting.
2:49:00 PM
MS. SHOULTZ advanced to slide 17, containing an image of an
excavator preparing a field for planting. She emphasized that
soil preparation is a challenge in Alaska, and said weather is a
factor.
2:49:13 PM
MS. SHOULTZ advanced to slides 18-19. Slide 18 contains an image
of a young man preparing rows for planting. Slide 19 contains
images of a pond. She briefly discussed infrastructure,
including the use of Typar and a manmade irrigation pond.
2:49:34 PM
MS. SHOULTZ advanced to slide 20, containing an image of fields
with rows of plants and a high tunnel. She noted that her
expertise is related to growing and selling peonies. She said
that, though starting the plants is a long process, peonies are
easy to grow. Each peony plant should have ten stems, and 2-3
acres can hold roughly 10,000 plants. She explained that peonies
are a high-dollar plant, averaging around $4.10/stem. She
emphasized that there is high demand for peonies, and she
receives more requests than she can fill. She opined that the
market is wide open and the possibilities for Alaskan
floriculture are endless. She said shipping costs are nominal,
particularly when compared to the shipping cost for fish
products. She receives a 68 percent discount when shipping with
UPS and Fed Ex. She briefly described the shipping timeline. She
surmised that, now that the necessary shipping infrastructure
and agreements are in place, they could be used for other
floriculture as well. She shared that her son is her business
partner, which has allowed her farm to grow. She reiterated that
Alaska's floriculture industry is in its infancy and opined that
the industry holds a great deal of potential.
2:52:10 PM
MS. SHOULTZ advanced to slide 21, containing images of the peony
cutting and shipping process. She explained that cutting peonies
requires expertise. She briefly described the shipping process.
2:52:49 PM
MS. SHOULTZ advanced to slide 22, containing an image of a tour
group, and briefly discussed agritourism.
2:53:10 PM
MS. SHOULTZ advanced to slide 23, containing an image of group
and a field of peonies, and briefly discussed destination
weddings as a potential market.
2:53:19 PM
MS. SHOULTZ advanced to slide 24, containing an image of crew
members. She explained that youth often come to work as soon as
they are eligible for employment and return year after year.
2:53:49 PM
SENATOR STEVENS asked about the advantage of growing peonies in
Alaska.
MS. SHOULTZ replied that in Alaska, peonies grow through July
and August, while the growing season in other locales is limited
to April-June. She added that this extended growing season would
also apply to other floriculture products.
2:54:42 PM
MS. SEITZ added that, along with timing, the climate
(specifically the cooler weather) and long daylight hours make
Alaska peonies larger and more vibrant than those grown in other
locales.
2:55:12 PM
MS. SHOULTZ agreed and reiterated that Alaska peonies are larger
and have more saturated color.
2:55:19 PM
MS. SEITZ concluded the Alaska Farm Bureau's presentation.
2:55:34 PM
SENATOR KAWASAKI recalled that UAF previously had over 30
agricultural researchers; however, that number has declined over
time. He asked for an explanation of the decline, particularly
if there is a vibrant potential for agriculture in Alaska. He
wondered why more movement has not been made toward achieving
that potential.
2:56:06 PM
MS. ANDERSON confirmed that there were over 30 agricultural
researchers as recent as the late 80s and early 90s. She
explained that the attrition was related to retirements and
budget concerns. She said UAF is currently rebuilding; however,
the attrition drastically decreased the university's research
capacity for both agriculture and forestry. She gave a brief
overview of those changes and the current limited capacity. She
stated that UAF has not regained the positions that it
previously lost.
CHAIR GIESSEL thanked the presenters. She commented that the
Arctic does not typically bring agriculture to mind; however,
she acknowledged that arctic agriculture is possible.
2:58:51 PM
There being no further business to come before the committee,
Chair Giessel adjourned the Senate Special Committee on Arctic
Affairs meeting at 2:58 p.m.
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| 2.13.25 Farming Arctic Affairs Presentation Part 1.pdf |
SAAF 2/13/2025 1:30:00 PM |
|
| 2.13.25 Farming Arctic Affairs Presentation Part 2.pdf |
SAAF 2/13/2025 1:30:00 PM |