Cook Inletkeeper in Homer has received a $440,000 federal Department of Agriculture grant to help maximize opportunities for economic growth in local and regional food systems in Alaska.
The Homer-based non-profit entity serves as the fiscal sponsor and incubator of the Alaska Farmers Market Association.
“With 95% of our food imported from outside, food security is a top concern for many Alaskans,” said Robbi Mixon executive director of the Alaska Farmers Market Association, and local foods director at Cook Inletkeeper. “Farmers markets strengthen food security through local production and offer a place for farmers to sell their products directly to customers.
“Purchasing local food supports farms, increases our region’s food security, protects the environment, creates jobs and boosts the local economy – all of which create greater resiliency.”
The number of farmers markets in Alaska rose from 13 in 2006 to 41 in 2017, and by 2021 AFMA counted 56, with more planned.
According to the 2017 census of the National Agricultural Statistics Service Alaska ranked first in the nation in terms of new farms, with most of these operations being under 10 acres. Alaska’s direct sales have continued to rise over the last decade, with farmers markets being integral to this growth.
AFMA has created the general framework to support statewide farmers market management, training and promotion, providing direct benefits to Alaska’s farmers markets vendors and customers. The project is seeking to further support markets, including farm stands, in new ways, to directly support AFMA’s mission to support and promote sustainable farmers markets throughout the state.
For more information contact Mixon at info@alaskafarmersmarkets.org or 907-235-4068, ext. 23.
