HOUSE BILL NO. 93 "An Act relating to school gardens, greenhouses, and farms." 2:49:47 PM REPRESENTATIVE DAVID GUTTENBERG, SPONSOR explained the school gardens program. He relayed that public schools in conjunction with a local farm operated school gardens in Fairbanks. The children actively participated in gardening supported by curriculum in the classroom. The program was very successful. The gardens produce over 1,000 pounds of produce per year. He noted the enthusiastic participation by the students. He pointed out that the program was exportable throughout the state. The legislation enabled the program to operate state-wide. Non-profit groups like 4 H and Future Farmers could bring the program into the schools. Representative Guttenberg expounded that Calypso Farm in Fairbanks started slow and raised money for each school. The farm expanded the program from school to school. The program required a teacher who wanted to sponsor the program and a sustainable site at the school. The farmers support the teacher and the curriculum. The curriculum integrated science and other relevant subjects. 2:54:05 PM Representative Guttenberg furthered that HB 93 supported interested non-profits in launching the school gardening program in other parts of the state. Co-Chair Stoltze OPENED public testimony. ELIZABETH MAFI, TEACHER, COFFMAN COVE (via teleconference), spoke in support of the bill. She reported that she was a teacher in Southeast Islands school district and lead a 4H group in Coffman Cove. She described how she started a garden program at the school. She spoke of the positive effects the garden had on the students and community; from teaching life skills to fostering community involvement. She stated the legislation would augment their fund raising efforts. 2:57:49 PM WES SCHOTT, HOMER (via teleconference), reported that he was a member of the Homer Grange. He asked how the matching grant worked. Representative Guttenberg believed that the $10,000 grant was awarded in cash for the program's general use. LINDSEY ANSORNO, SECRETARY, HOMER (via teleconference), was in support of the legislation. She reported her involvement with the Homer Grange. She believed the legislation would provide education, training, food security and foster obesity awareness in the community. She asked if the committee would consider expanding the program if more than ten schools applied. Representative Guttenberg replied that the original bill included all Alaskan schools. The fiscal note was very expensive. He informed the testifier that the program took time to develop. The bill allowed for more schools to transition into the program each year. He advised that each garden program needed to develop a solid structure for success. 3:00:53 PM DARREN SNYDER, COOPERATIVE EXTENSION AGENT, UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA-FAIRBANKS, was in support of the legislation. He appreciated the type of learning opportunity for youth the school gardening program provided. He relayed that he spent much of his university time seeking funding for similar programs in schools. He supported the ongoing funding stability that the bill provided. He was concerned that the program grant was not in-kind. SUSAN WILLSRUD, CALYPSO FARM AND ECOLOGY (via teleconference), was present to answer questions. BARBARA SMITH, CHINOOK MONTESSORI CHARTER SCHOOL, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference), voiced strong support of the legislation. She relayed that Chinook's curriculum was hands on. A garden program would enhance the student's study of Botany. Co-Chair Stoltze asked where Chinook Montessori Charter School was located. Ms. Smith replied that they were located in Fairbanks. Co-Chair Thomas CLOSED public testimony. HB 93 was HEARD and HELD in committee for further consideration. 3:07:57 PM