WHEREAS, agriculture plays an integral role in the success of every civilization and was instrumental to the settlement of Alaska. From farmers feeding the miners of the 1800s gold rush to the settlers of the Tanana Valley, Alaskan agricultural frontiersmen have been instrumental in the development of sustainable Alaskan communities; and
WHEREAS, Alaska’s 1,173 farms provide materials that we eat, use and wear on a daily basis, and it is important to teach our youth the process by which foods and fibers are produced and distributed; and
WHEREAS, as a result of successful agriculture endeavors, Alaskans have the opportunity to enjoy farm fresh local produce, high quality meats, flowers, local fibers, and everything from raw honey to qiviut, and the Alaska agricultural industry supports thousands of statewide jobs and produces food and fiber worth more than $90 million each year; and
WHEREAS, Alaska agriculture producers are modern day pioneers who provide food, fiber and energy resources for our economy. Alaska is rich in natural resources and with continued dedication, generations of Alaskans will reap the benefits of their harvest; and
WHEREAS, modern agricultural education programs offer youth across the State the benefits of a curriculum that helps foster future leaders, farmers, and consumers in their communities; and
WHEREAS, in the past few years, Alaskans have been made increasingly aware of the need to enhance the security of our in-state food supply due to floods, wildland fires, earthquakes, and supply line interruptions; and
WHEREAS, the development of new terrestrial crops, the expansion of mariculture farms, the expansion of traditional and alternative food distribution systems, the establishment of a grain reserve, and the continued cooperation between pioneer farmers and innovative partners demonstrates Alaska’s creative capacity to expand its agricultural sector.
NOW THEREFORE, I, Mike Dunleavy, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF ALASKA, do hereby proclaim May 7, 2024 as:
Agriculture Day
in Alaska and encourage all Alaskans to support local agriculture by seeking out and purchasing products produced and grown in Alaska, and to appreciate the agricultural industry’s significant contributions to the well-being of the State.
Dated: May 7, 2024
