Food Systems Network Gatherings, afpc events & conferences

Recap: January 2026 Alaska Food Systems Network Gathering

January 28, 2026

By Ellen Olack, Programs Manager, AFPC

Our first Alaska Food Systems Network Gathering of 2026 took place virtually on Thursday, January 22 from 11:30 AM–1:00 PM, bringing together farmers, food system practitioners, community leaders, and partners from across the state. These quarterly gatherings help us stay connected between conferences, share timely updates, and learn from one another as we work toward stronger, more resilient food systems in Alaska.

These meetings are not recorded but we do share slides with all who registered and here in the recap blog.

Highlights from the January Gathering

The gathering opened with a word cloud brainstorm answering the question “What is one word that reflects your energy for food systems work in 2026?” The words shared reflected a thoughtful, values-driven approach to the year ahead. As shown, the word cloud offers a snapshot of collective energy across the network, rooted in balance and care, while still focused on strengthening food systems.

AFPC Updates

This quarterly gathering provided a platform for the Alaska Food Policy Council to share program updates. These included the introduction of the Alaska Food Systems Data & Mapping Resources, a free digital resource with downloadable datasets, as well as the publication of the 2026 Rhodiola Rosea Market Opportunities Addendum.

Rachel Lord, AFPC’s Advocacy Director, shared advocacy updates in the quarterly Advocacy Moment and announced the return of On The Menu as the Alaska Legislative Session begins.

On The Menu 1.16.26 (New blog!)
On The Menu 1.23.26 (New blog!)

Stay up to date by signing up for On the Menu emails and by using our new state bill tracker, found on our website.

Explore Our Data Dashboard

Healthy Food Financing Initiative (HFFI)

Abbey Janes from Spruceroot shared a funding and resource opportunity relevant to many in our network: the Ecotrust Healthy Food Financing Initiative (HFFI). This program offers financing and business planning support for Pacific Northwest food retailers and food-related businesses working to improve access to healthy, local food.

Salmon-Safe Standards for Agriculture

The January gathering featured a focused and informative presentation on Salmon-Safe standards for agriculture, with guest speakers Dan Kent and Kevin Scribner from Salmon-Safe, alongside AFPC’s own Sundance Visser. Together, they shared an overview of Salmon-Safe’s mission and standards, and how agricultural producers can implement practices that protect water quality, habitat, and ecosystem health, particularly in salmon-dependent regions like Alaska.

The presentation highlighted how Salmon-Safe certification can support both environmental stewardship and market opportunities for producers, and sparked thoughtful discussion around the role of standards, certification, and partnerships in building resilient regional food systems.

View Full Slideshow Here