As part of an upcoming special legislative session, Alaska lawmakers will discuss the possible creation of the Department of Agriculture.
Currently, Alaska has a Division of Agriculture, which is part of the Department of Natural Resources, aimed at promoting and encouraging the development of the agricultural industry. Alaska is one of two states in the United States without a cabinet-level Department of Agriculture.
Back in March, Alaska lawmakers voted to deny an executive order from Governor Dunleavy that would have created a Department of Agriculture separate from the Department of Natural Resources.
Earlier this month, Governor Dunleavy scheduled a special legislative session for the Alaska Legislature to address the possible creation of an Alaska Department of Agriculture as well as education reform.
Representative Kevin McCabe said he supports the creation of an Alaska Department of Agriculture, saying it could help with food security.
“The real issue is the DNR in Alaska has so many other responsibilities with mining, with oil, with gas,” he said, “If we are going to have food security and agriculture separate, you know, as a separate entity, it just makes sense to have their own commissioner and their own department.”
Around 95% of food in Alaska is imported. McCabe said having a dedicated Department of Agriculture would allow the state to provide more support to local farmers.
McCabe added that even if the creation of the Department of Agriculture doesn’t gain traction during the upcoming special legislative session, he would not be surprised if legislators saw the proposal again.
“If it fails again, [Dunleavy]’ll probably offer it again, next January, and see if there’s a way to a path forward,” McCabe said.
The special legislative session begins on August 2nd.
