partner spotlight & events
The Ground We Share: Lessons From Alaska's Agricultural Communities
Recap Blog By AFPC Staff: Rachel Lord, Robbi Mixon, and Ellen Olack
At the 2025 Alaska Agriculture Conference and Grazing Lands Symposium, over 250 farmers, ranchers, technical advisors, legislators, and more from Alaska and beyond gathered in Anchorage for three days of networking and learning about all things farming and grazing with the Alaska Farm Bureau and the Homer Soil & Water Conservation District. Other event partners included Western Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE), University of Alaska Fairbanks Institute of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Extension (IANRE), Cooperative Extension, and Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).
With more than 80 sessions ranging from beekeeping to virtual fencing, farm finance to hayland management, the conference was a vibrant space to share knowledge, exchange ideas, and strengthen partnerships. AFPC was proud to sponsor and exhibit at the event, as well as facilitate two sessions on state land leasing and another on our core programs including advocacy, food data dashboard, and value chain coordination.
Robbi, Ellen, and Rachel were at the conference, and we put together some highlights to share:
State land leasing for agriculture and grazing sparked robust discussion throughout the conference. Producers and Alaska Department of Natural Resources staff came ready to engage with the complexity of laws, regulations, and processes that govern land access. With the Alaska Legislature convening soon, this will remain an important and ongoing conversation. We’ll be sharing a deeper dive on this topic in a future AFPC blog post – stay tuned!
Economist Dr. Mike Jones from UAA’s Institute of Social & Economic Research gave a fascinating presentation where he challenged us to look beyond the broad category of “Food” and instead examine specific product-level data. Understanding which products have competitive potential at scale is essential for building resilient businesses in Alaska’s unique markets, and data is key to that strategy.
Representatives from Charlie’s Produce and US Foods offered candid insights into selling to food distributors, emphasizing that their goal is to help Alaska producers succeed. While requirements such as insurance and food safety audits can pose challenges, the panelists underscored their commitment to supporting producers through the process and getting to “yes” whenever possible.
Throughout the conference, sessions blended traditional knowledge, on-the-ground producer experience, and emerging research. Stories shared during informal conversations were equally meaningful, from personal histories of reindeer herding to lived experiences of farming in circumpolar climates. These exchanges reminded us that Alaska’s agricultural future is grounded as much in cultural memory and community connection as in technical innovation.
Several sessions highlighted the needs of new and beginning farmers, emphasizing that reducing barriers requires more than land access alone. Access to training, capital, mentorship, and community support all play critical roles in helping new producers thrive. Seeing so many young farmers and students at the conference, and hearing about support systems available, was exciting.
While many discussions focused on scaling up distribution and expanding into larger markets, sessions like Brad St. Pierre (Goosefoot Farm/Tanana Valley Farmers Market/Alaska Farmers Market Association) and Brandi Jo’s (Sauntering Roots Farm/Matanuska Community Farmers Market) on farmers markets served as an important reminder: feeding your own community is foundational work. Smaller-scale producers have vital roles to play in local food security, relationship-building, and strengthening Alaska’s regional food systems.
The Alaska Farm Bureau’s annual membership meeting brought forward a broad range of policy priorities for 2026, including support for new and beginning producers, youth programming, SNAP market matching, local food purchasing programs, and federal changes related to meat processing and sales. These priorities align closely with AFPC’s, and we look forward to collaborative advocacy in the year ahead!
At AFPC, we are continually grateful for the opportunity to learn alongside so many partners. The 2025 Alaska Agriculture Conference showcased the many ways Alaska’s agricultural community is learning, evolving, and supporting one another. Whether exploring new technologies, navigating policy, honoring traditional knowledge, or uplifting new farmers, the event highlighted a shared commitment to cultivating a stronger, more resilient food system for all Alaskans.
