Resolution 2 passed at the
Alaska State Grange
Convention 2009

ALASKA STATE GRANGE

RESOLUTION 09-02

SUPPORTING A STATE OF ALASKA FARM LAND PRESERVATION FUND
THROUGH AN ANNUAL ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE MATCH FOR COMMUNITIES THAT ALSO PROVIDE FUNDING

(Sponsored by the Northland Pioneer Grange #1)

WHEREAS, it is Grange policy to promote development of agriculture as an industry throughout the state; and

WHEREAS, the development of agricultural resources is an integral element in the diversification of Alaska's economic base; and

WHEREAS, the market value of agricultural production in Alaska is approximately $57 Million; and

WHEREAS, there are approximately 686 farms in Alaska on which nearly 2,000 employees work; and

WHEREAS, agricultural land is limited in Alaska to 881,585 acres out of a total 375 Million acres; and

WHEREAS, agricultural land throughout the state is being lost to residential and commercial development at an alarming rate; and

WHEREAS, the cost of clearing and starting new farms is nearly cost prohibitive; and

WHEREAS, Alaska is currently producing only 5-10 percent of its own food; and

WHEREAS, Alaska's food supply would last between one week and 10 days if support and supply chains were disrupted; therefore be it

RESOLVED, that the Alaska State Grange supports the establishment of an Alaska Farmland Preservation Fund that can be used to match federal, borough and city contributions to the same cause; and be it further

RESOLVED, that the Alaska State Grange supports capitalizing the Fund by an amount equal to or greater than $500,000 annually which is an amount calculated to meet the current annual match needed in Alaska's farmland conservation programs.