House Bill 298, establishing a task force on Alaska’s food systems and sovereignty aimed at improving food security for the long-term benefit of the state’s communities and environment, has passed the House and now goes to the Senate.
The work of the Alaska Food Strategy Task Force will complement and expand on the momentum of the Governor’s Food Security and Independence Task Force and the Legislature’s Food and Farm Caucus, according to the House Majority Coalition.
“Alaska imports 95% of its food at an annual cost to Alaskans of $2 billion. What’s more, if supply chains should break down, Alaska would have only one week of food on store shelves,” said Rep. Liz Snyder, D-Anchorage. “Food security is truly a shared priority across all parties and caucuses. I spent much of the interim working with stakeholders to develop this bill, and I’m honored to be working with my colleagues, as well as the administration, to strengthen Alaska’s food systems.”
“Alaska’s assurance that the need for continuity to a Food Strategy Task Force which provides direction in Alaska’s quest for Food Security during the worlds’ troubled times, will be able to continue its work toward that purpose,” said Rep. George Rauscher, R-Sutton.
“Improving food security is good for our health, good for our economy, and good for economic development,” said Rep. Geran Tarr, D-Anchorage. “All Alaskans benefit from these actions, and I thank everyone who developed this bill and will work hard to see these ideas turn into action.”
