Reinforcement of Alaska's Food Industry Unity
In the vast and rugged landscape of Alaska, food systems face unique challenges due to limited infrastructure, harsh climate, and high costs of inputs. However, a growing network of farmers, entrepreneurs, tribal entities, educators, and community leaders are working together to build a stronger, more self-reliant food economy.
The Alaska Food Policy Council (AFPC) plays a vital role in this effort. Established to strengthen the local food economy in Alaska, the AFPC connects people with shared goals but diverse experiences to help start, grow, and sustain food-focused enterprises.
One of the key initiatives of the AFPC is the Food Hubs Working Group. In 2024, this group released a statewide report titled "How the Alaska 'Food Hub' Network Can Best Move Forward," offering recommendations and potential business models for successful hub development. Food hubs in Alaska can take various shapes, adapting to communities' unique challenges, and enabling even the smallest farmers and food businesses to reach individuals and markets like schools, hospitals, and grocery stores. The Food Hubs Working Group also supports the development of infrastructure that connects local growers to consumers, institutions, and retail outlets, helping small food producers overcome market access barriers.
Another important working group is the Hydroponics Working Group. This network of farmers, educators, researchers, growers, and entrepreneurs is exploring how hydroponics can support year-round farming and rural job creation in Alaska. Hydroponic production enables new farm-based enterprises to thrive in places that lack arable land, supports STEM education and workforce development, and creates scalable, sustainable, and climate-tailored business models. Monthly meetings of the Hydroponics Working Group feature guest speakers sharing experiences on system design, nutrient management, crop selection, and business planning.
The Traditional Foods Working Group promotes Indigenous food systems' cultural and economic importance and works to secure continued access to harvest areas and advocate for state-tribal collaboration. The Food Waste Working Group is helping communities and businesses reduce food waste and redistribute surplus food efficiently, fostering a network of partners and supporting composting and circular economy models.
The Advocacy Working Group helps Alaskans understand how policy decisions impact food systems, the economy, and small food businesses by developing policy briefs, fact sheets, and educational tools. Each working group focuses on a key part of Alaska's food systems, connecting people with shared goals but diverse experiences to help create a stronger, more resilient food economy.
Participation in AFPC's working groups is open to all Alaskans, regardless of background or experience level. To join a group, visit the working groups page on the AFPC website. Together, we can build a more sustainable, self-reliant food system in Alaska.
