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Check out all the incredible sessions we were able to record at the 2023 Alaska Food and Farm Festival. At the Alaska Food Policy Council we believe that sharing knowledge and opportunities is the key to building a thriving food system for Alaska. We hope these sessions will keep you inspired, connected and working together. We will see you in the spring of 2025 for our next festival.

We still have 2023 Food and Farm Festival Merchandise!! ORDER YOURS!!

  • Through continued community support and collaboration, the Hawaii Good Food Alliance is creating a future Hawaiʻi that is sustainable for generations to come. The Hawaiʻi Good Food Alliance is a diverse hui of community leaders who share in the production, aggregation, and distribution of food. Hawaiʻi is the most isolated population on the planet – making our island state’s food supply extraordinarily vulnerable to supply chain disruptions, natural disasters and other emergencies. Over the past few years, Hawaiʻi’s food hubs have emerged as a vital solution to supporting local farmers and food producers to improve Hawaiʻi’s food security. A working group of the non-profit Hawaiʻi Good Food Alliance, the Hawaiʻi Food Hub Hui (HFHH) was established in 2017 and today encompasses 14 food hubs around the state that provide vital support to small- and medium-sized local farms by working to aggregate, store, process and distribute locally grown, culturally preferred foods to Hawaii’s residents. The nation’s only food hub association of its kind, HFHH aims to raise the capacity of Hawaiʻi’s food hubs systemically by fundraising, coordinating market opportunity, advocating for policy and legislative change, and providing technical assistance to food hubs. To realize that vision, HFHH works to grow and expand connections between local farmers and food hubs, coordinate access to wholesale markets and institutions, and solve infrastructure needs of food hubs to fill gaps along the local supply chain. Focused on helping local farmers produce and earn more, HFHH has a goal to triple the output of Hawaiʻi’s food hubs by 2025 – an increase of local production and sales for Hawaiʻi’s food system that generates more revenue for local farmers

    Speaker:

    Saleh Azizi, Hawaii Food Hub Hui, Director

  • Tikaan Galbreath and Meda DeWitt will present a session on food and medicine used in Alaska Native healing practices. The presentation will focus on how Alaskans have incorporated traditional healing methods and the importance of using Indigenous plants for their medicinal benefits. Join us for an informative discussion on traditional Alaskan healing practices.

    This keynote address is brought to you by NANA Management Services.

    Speakers

    Tikaan Galbreath, Intertribal Agriculture Council, Technical Assistant Specialist

    Meda Dewitt, Hú/Dú

  • Alaska Native Greens
    Speakers:
    Kelly May, Alaska Native Greens
    Nels Christensen, Alaska Native Greens

    Harvesting and Gathering Traditional Foods with Kids
    Speaker: Dr. Angela Michaud, Cook Inlet Tribal Council, Senior Director Recovery and Reentry Services

    Traditional Foods in Head Start Programs
    Speaker: Meghan Adair, RurAL CAP, Registered Dietitian

    Composting in Fairbanks The Island: Fairbanks Food Hub
    Speaker: Callen Christensen, The Island: Fairbanks Food Hub

    Needs and Opportunities in Southern Southeast: A Presentation of Needs Assessment Research
    Speaker: Jennifer Brown, Ketchikan Agricultural Producers Association (KAPA)

    Alaska's Newest Urban Conservation District: Anchorage
    Speaker: Jessica Sharp, Anchorage Soil & Water Conservation District, District Manager

  • Our current food system has decimated rural communities and confined the choices of urban consumers. Even while America continues to ramp up farm production to astounding levels, net farm income is now lower than at the onset of the Great Depression, and one out of every eight Americans faces hunger. But a healthier and more equitable food system is possible. In his book Building Community Food Webs, Ken Meter shows how grassroots food and farming leaders across the U.S. are tackling these challenges by constructing civic networks. Overturning extractive economic structures, these inspired leaders are engaging low-income residents, farmers, and local organizations in their quest to build stronger communities. Ken Meter will discuss his book, Building Community Food Webs, which captures the essence of these efforts, underway in diverse places including Montana, Hawai‘i, Vermont, Arizona, Colorado, Indiana, and Minnesota. Addressing challenges as well as opportunities, Meter offers pragmatic insights for community food leaders and other grassroots activists alike.

    Speaker:
    Ken Meter, Crossroads Resource Center, President

  • Assistive technology can benefit individuals who have disabilities, prior injuries, or are aging to produce agriculture safely and effectively. Learn about the Alaskan non-profit programs available to assist agriculture workers and their families along with examples of assistive technology solutions and how to obtain them.

    Speaker:
    Tori Gingras, Assisting Technology of Alaska (ATLA), Outreach Specialist

  • Senator Lisa Murkowski joined us for a Legislative Greeting.

    Rep. Genevieve Mina provided a Legislative Greeting and information about BBCE (Broad-Based Categorical Eligibility) legislation.

    We heard an update from our Saturday lunch sponsors, AgWest Farm Credit. AgWest Farm Credit is an agricultural lending cooperative with more than a century of experience serving farmers, ranchers, timber harvesters, and aquatic producers throughout the West.

  • Locally harvested, pre-contact foods are a testament to the resilience of Indigenous lifestyles and should be part of our modern kitchens. Many native North American foods, both cultivated and harvested, were removed from our diets through intentional colonial efforts. Mariah Gladstone is leading the way in a food movement that is revitalizing and incorporating these important foods into the contemporary diet. Her presentation will include a history of Indigenous food systems, as well as the relationship between cultural identity, health, and native plants and animals. During her cooking demonstration, she will prepare one of her original recipes and showcase other indigenous foods that can easily be used in your own kitchen.

    This keynote address is brought to you by NANA Management Services.

    Speaker: Mariah Gladstone, Indigikitchen, Owner

  • Agrivoltaics: Launching a new project looking at the feasibility of combining agricultural and solar production in Alaska

    • Glenna Gannon, Assistant Professor - Sustainable Food Systems, UAF

    New Report: “Food Security and Sovereignty in Alaska Native Communities: Recommendations for Improving Language and Inclusivity in Food and Agriculture Programming”

    • Glenna Gannon, Assistant Professor - Sustainable Food Systems, UAF

    Sun and Soil Podcast

    North to the Future: An Agriculture and Climate Change Curriculum for Alaska Youth from the USDA Northwest Climate Hub and Alaska FFA

    Youth Loan Opportunities with FSA

    Alaska Cold Storage Co-op: Cold & dry storage with in-house distribution

    The Outrage of Hungry Military Families (MAZON)

  • Engage in a vivid exploration of Alaska's food landscape during "The Taste of Local: A Celebration of Alaskan Manufacturers." This session, curated by the Alaska MEP + BuyAlaska, shines a spotlight on locally sourced and manufactured foods.

    Immersed in the theme of Alaska's abundant and diverse offerings, attendees will journey through the stories, craftsmanship, and innovations of the passionate manufacturers that shape Alaska's unique food tapestry. This session offers more than just an overview; it delves into the profound economic, health, and community benefits associated with supporting local food systems. Through thought-provoking discussions, the emphasis will be placed on the pivotal role consumer choices have in fortifying local agricultural sustainability, amplifying food security, and steering Alaska toward increased self-reliance. Participants will depart with a deepened appreciation and understanding of the significance and impact of their local food choices. The session aspires to inspire attendees to partake in meaningful conversations and to be active contributors in a movement towards a vibrant localized food culture. Through this, the ultimate vision is to cultivate an environment where Alaska's rich agricultural legacy flourishes, and community well-being is elevated via a thriving local food economy.

    Presenters:

    Speaker:

    • Michelle Johnson, CED, Lead Analyst

    Roundtable Speakers:

  • Join the discussion with people working in the field, with real life experience talking, working and uderstanging stress farmers face around the nation. This session will provide information about tools, resources and things to think about when considering the stresses one faces while juggling a job in agriculture and the day-to-day pressure of life.

    Speakers:

  • Ken outlines his early work (investigation of the Alaska Barley Project for AKPIRG; and investigative report covering new farm project in Selawik — both published in Anchorage Daily News 1982); his study of the Alaska food system (and its history) for AK Dept of Health (2014), and this most recent work for LFPP grant. Victories won, obstacles encountered, and lessons learned.

    This keynote address is brought to you by the Alaska Food Policy Council.

    Speaker:

  • In the heart of Alaska's Kenai Peninsula, a grassroots organization Kenai Local Food Connection (KLFC) has embarked on a journey to foster sustainable agriculture, build resilient communities, and strengthen the local food system. To showcase the Central Peninsula food system KLFC partnered with a locally raised filmmaker to create a short documentary titled Nourishing the Kenai. This conference presentation delves into the essence of this cinematic masterpiece, highlighting its star's profound impact on promoting food security, sustainability, and community empowerment. The documentary showcases the passion and dedication of local farmers, producers, and community members who have come together to address the pressing issues of food insecurity and environmental sustainability. It captures the essence of their collaborative spirit and their relentless pursuit of a more resilient, self-sufficient food system. Join us as we journey through the captivating narrative of "Nourishing the Kenai," a film that not only showcases the remarkable work happening in the Central Peninsula but also serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for communities striving to build a more sustainable, resilient, and nourishing future. This presentation will include a showing of the film as well as time for questions.

    Speakers:

Watch the trailer here!

  • 00:00 – Strengths, barriers, and the future of food systems of the Aleutian Pribilof Islands Region

    26:05 – Lessons Learned: 10 years of food security and agriculture programming in Tyonek, AK

    Strengths, barriers, and the future of food systems of the Aleutian Pribilof Islands Region

    Between the vast remoteness of the communities in the Aleutian Pribilof region and the frequent challenges due to lack of accessibility, the importance of developing a comprehensive understanding of the strengths and barriers related to food security, including traditional, store-bought, and garden foods within the regional food system is vital. Food is foundational for both mental and physical health outcomes, and access to and utilization of healthy and culturally appropriate foods is determined by a multitude of historical and contemporary social determinants of health. With a tremendous reliance on air and barge transportation for food and supplies originating from outside the region, coupled with inclement weather most of the year, the region often experiences instability with access to needed resources, including food. Communities in the region utilize local wild foods through subsistence and traditional hunting, fishing, and gathering activities, but the dynamics of traditional/subsistence food access are complicated by changes in knowledge, ecosystem disruptions due to climate change, and other issues related to management, commercial use, and sociodemographic factors. However, very little research has been conducted in the region regarding food security. In fact, to date, we are not aware of any assessment of food security that include data from all ten communities in the region. We will present aggregate findings from all 10 communities in the Aleutian Pribilof Islands region regarding traditional and store-bought food security (data collected 2021-2022), as well as conclusions arrived to by the community member-led regional food security symposium held in April 2022. The intended audience for this presentation is professionals and community members interested in nutrition, who work in the health, food, and transportation industries, and those who are interested in subsistence/traditional food access and Alaska Native and rural health.

    Speakers:

    Lessons Learned: 10 years of food security and agriculture programming in Tyonek, AK

    Since 2012, Tyonek Tribal Conservation District (TTCD) has worked with the Native Village of Tyonek (NVT) to develop an agricultural program aimed at enhancing food security and providing fresh organic vegetables to community members. Through these efforts the Tyonek Grown Program was formed, which now oversees the management of a community farm, indoor hydroponic system, educational workshops and food security programming. In this presentation, we will discuss the successes and obstacles faced over the past decade of food security work in Tyonek, as well as the challenges of farming off the road system.

    Education and youth involvement have always been important goals of the Tyonek Grown Program. Students at the local school have been engaged in every step of the gardening process from planting and caring for seeds in the school in late winter to transplanting them into the garden in spring, turning in soil amendments, weeding, harvesting, and distributing produce. In addition to school activities, throughout the summer, TTCD hires Tyonek youth as farm interns to support the farm operation. The youth staff are provided with learning opportunities through daily farm education, on-site workshops, and trips to other farms. We will share a brief video about the current youth involved in the garden, many of which have known the garden to be a staple of the Tyonek community for their whole lives.

  • Learn about incorporating agritourism into your farming operations.

    Agricultural tourism has become a necessary means for many small farms’ survival. By diversifying business operations, farm operators are able to ensure a more stable income.

    Speaker:

  • 00:00 – Cultivating Climate Literacy with the USDA Northwest Climate Hub

    29:48 – Eight Ways to Garden or Farm More Sustainably

    Cultivating Climate Literacy with the USDA Northwest Climate Hub

    Producers and wild harvesters in Alaska already contend with and adapt to a variety of challenges. However, changes in climate are creating even more uncertain conditions. As a result, climate literacy is becoming increasingly important for producers and wild harvesters. Climate literacy helps individuals to understand the impact of climate change on their lives and their own impact on the climate. The USDA Northwest Climate Hub is committed to improving climate literacy and training, identifying climate vulnerabilities, finding climate solutions, and strengthening environmental justice in Alaska. One of the ways the Hub addresses these commitments is through sharing climate science, in approachable ways, with those impacted by climate change.

    The Northwest Climate Hub uses several approaches to support climate literacy across the state. These methods include web articles and workshops that inform the public about the current and expected effects of climate change on wild foods, agriculture, mariculture, and food security in Alaska. In addition, the Hub published a series of case studies to highlight the climate adaptation work of several producers. The Hub also produced a technical guide, Adaptation Resources for Agriculture in Alaska, to inform producers about climate impacts, agricultural adaptation and mitigation actions, and USDA programs. This presentation will provide an overview of these climate literacy resources. It will also seek opinions from audience members on the types of communication materials that could support producers and wild harvesters in adapting to climate change on their farms or in their harvest. This portion of the presentation will be interactive.

    Speaker:

    Eight Ways to Garden or Farm More Sustainably

    In this presentation, I'll cover eight strategies to garden and farm more sustainably.

    Speaker:

  • Sustain Alaska has been working with Alaska Cooperative Development Center to facilitate monthly virtual meetings with the three food co-ops in Alaska: Sitka, Kodiak and Fairbanks. The purpose of the group calls is to support the sixth principle of co-ops: 'cooperation among co-ops'. We share what's working, what could be improved, and opportunities to help each other. We've collaborated on group projects, such as shared accounting and vendor lists so far, but that is intended to be just the beginning. Bigger projects, such as the cold storage co-op and joint shipping efforts could be explored in the future.

    Speakers:

  • Learn about the diversity of funding opportunities for Alaska farmers both small and large scale:

    Speakers:

  • AgWest Farm Credit is an agricultural lending cooperative with more than a century of experience serving farmers, ranchers, timber harvesters, and aquatic producers throughout the West. Learn more about their programs and educational resources designed to help producers thrive from lending solutions to supporting rural communities and young, beginning, and small farmers and ranchers with the AgVision program.

    Speakers:

  • 00:00 –New Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure Program and Local Food Purchase Assistance Program

    42:00 – Specialty Crop Block Grant and Micro Grant for Food Security Program Overview

    59:19 – Alaskan Agricultural Land Projects

    New Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure Program and Local Food Purchase Assistance Program

    This presentation includes an overview of the new Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure Program (Infrastructure grants) and provide an update on the Local Food Purchase Assistance Program. These are two new grant programs funded by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service through the American Rescue Plan and administered by the State of Alaska, Division of Agriculture. The purpose of the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure Program is to build resilience in the middle of the food supply chain, to provide more and better markets to small farms and food businesses, to support the development of value-added products for consumers, fair prices, fair wages, and new and safe job opportunities. The purpose of the Local Food Purchase Assistance Program is to provide funding for state, tribal, and territorial governments to purchase foods produced within the state to help support local, regional, and underserved producers and to maintain and improve food and agricultural supply chain resiliency.

    Speakers:

    Specialty Crop Block Grant and Micro Grant for Food Security Program Overview

    Presentation provides an overview of the Specialty Crop Block Grant and Micro Grant for Food Security Programs that are funded by USDA Agricultural Marketing Service and administered by the State of Alaska, Division of Agriculture. Overview will include the application process, timelines, qualifying project types, review process, contracting, project performance, and reporting requirements.

    Speaker:

    Alaskan Agricultural Land Projects

    Plans for the Northern Region (140K Acre) Nenanan Totchaket Ag project. Review of the North Fork Micro-Ag Project in Anchor Point. Review of the Sulliwood ag subdivision in Salcha. Review of potential ag projects statewide. Questions and Answers regarding ag projects, grazing leases, and privately owned state ag land.

    Speaker:

  • Alaska has a great need to increase its food security and replace the large amount of currently expensive imported produce with fresh, locally grown leafy greens and vegetables. Soil farms alone cannot meet this need due to Alaska’s very short growing season and soil building challenges. Some rural and urban farms in Alaska are integrating hydroponics to provide year-round, fresh and affordable greens and vegetables using equipment and systems that are sustainable in rural Alaska. This panel will focus first on fundamentals of successful hydroponic leafy green and vine crop production, look at specific rural and urban farms in the Kodiak Archipelago and Anchorage and then move on to exploring hydroponics as a method of sustainably and ethically growing traditional foods.

    Speakers:

  • As organic agriculture gains momentum globally, regions like Alaska offer distinct climatic, logistical, and cultural considerations that require tailored solutions. This session offers a unique outlook on organic certification in Alaska with a workshop on steps for certifying, a chance to hear from the only certified organic kelp producer in the state, and an opportunity for participants to share challenges and benefits of organic certification.

    This session is led by the Northwest Transition to Organic Partnership Program (NW TOPP), a new program designed to provide greater assistance, support, and resources than ever before to farmers and ranchers transitioning to organic. NW TOPP will cover organic certification requirements, introduce new programs supporting the transition to organic, Seagrove Kelp Co. will share their experiences with organic certification, and there will be an opportunity for participants to express their ideas and concerns regarding organic certification in Alaska during a listening session. Whether you're deeply involved in organic farming, intrigued by sustainability, or passionate about Alaskan agriculture, your perspective is essential. Join us in shaping the future of organic certification in Alaska, aligning it with the region's realities and aspirations.

    Speakers:

  • Are you thinking about jumping into federal grants?

    Every year the federal government releases millions of dollars to help nonprofit organizations serve their communities. In fact, now is the best time to consider these grants as more federal money has become available through the American Rescue Plan.

    However, federal grants are extremely competitive. The application process is cumbersome and often requires a high level of work investment.

    There are two essential ingredients of every successful federal grant proposal: preparation and early planning.

    During this session, Alice Ruhnke will show you how to research federal funding opportunities and develop the initial strategies needed to craft competitive federal grant applications.

    You’ll learn:

    • how to read federal instructions to help you identify ideal funding opportunities;

    • the steps needed to write competitive proposals;

    • what federal grant reviewers are actually looking for; and,

    • the important proposal strategies you must implement before instructions are even released.

    You’ll discover that, while challenging, writing federal proposals is truly a “high reward” activity which is often worth the investment as it can help your organization fulfill its mission for years to come.

    Speaker:

  • 00:00 – Grassroots Organizing for Farmer Tax Breaks

    53:42 – Growing Rural Opportunities for Wellness

    Grassroots Organizing for Farmer Tax Breaks

    In the summer of 2023, two Fairbanks food farmers approached a local farming advocate. They asked for help in getting the Fairbanks North Star Borough Assembly to pass a tax break for farm buildings. The advocate researched, drafted legislation, and proposed it to the Assembly, which then voted in favor of putting it on the ballot. It was up to the voters to decide. The advocate and farmers organized to inform voters and get out the vote. The outcome? You'll have to find out at the presentation! Why the suspense? This abstract is due before the vote on October 3rd! Win or lose, this will be an informative case study on the opportunities and barriers to on-the-ground organizing efforts seeking better tax incentives for food farmers in Alaska.

    Speakers:

    Growing Rural Opportunities for Wellness

    Since 2021, Rural Alaska Community Action Program’s (RurAL CAP) Growing Rural Opportunities for Wellness (GROW) has provided financial support, employment opportunities, and technical assistance to sixteen communities across Alaska. Through partnership with the University of Alaska Fairbanks Tribes Extension Program, GROW offers rural and Tribal focused virtual and in-person learning opportunities. GROW’s multi-tiered system of support (MTSS) model is rooted in food sovereignty and community driven action, connecting community leaders to resources and offering individualized and peer-to-peer support. We'll review our projects and share about our future plans.

    Speakers:

  • The USDA Regional Food Business Centers will support a more resilient, diverse, and competitive food system. These Regional Food Centers will support producers by providing localized assistance to access local and regional supply chains, including linking producers to wholesalers and distributors. They will provide technical assistance needed to access new markets, access to federal, state, and local resources, and will assist small- and mid-sized producers in overcoming barriers to market access, with a focus on underserved farmers, ranchers, and food businesses. The Alaska Food Policy Council was chosen as a key partner representing Alaska for the "Islands and Remote Areas." Join USDA, AFPC, and Hawaii Good Food Alliance to learn more about the center and provide your feedback.

    Speakers:

  • 00:00 – Blackfish, Berries, and Broccoli - Growing Food Culture in Igiugig

    28:52 – Test Report: Potato - Soil Health Trials

    Blackfish, Berries, and Broccoli - Growing Food Culture in Igiugig

    Alaska Native communities have a strong culture rooted in the harvest and preservation of local foods. Igiugig works to build on that with its Local Foods Program. Come see some of the experiences the No-See-Ums of Igiugig School have had with both wild and cultivated food – then hear how they turned the tables and challenged the community.

    Speaker:

    Test Report: Potato - Soil Health Trials

    Speaker:

Alaska Food Policy Council
PO BOX 173, Homer, AK 99603
info@alaskafoodpolicycouncil.org
TEL (907) 756-3930