Next week, the Legislature will continue to discuss education as well as consider an up or down vote on the governor’s executive order to create a Department of Agriculture.

The new department would elevate the division director to a commissioner, able to speak directly to the governor, Legislature, and the public as an advocate for in-state farming. Supporters of the proposal noted that Alaska is one of only two states that do not have a Department of Agriculture. The most successful agriculture departments support making farming more productive; they do not tell farmers how to farm. The new department would require additional state investment and empower employees within the current Division of Agriculture to be more effective at supporting farmers growing food for Alaskans.

There are many reasons why Alaska should have a Department of Agriculture. However, I have significant concerns about how this new department would be funded and would operate. In a bid to gain support for the new department, the costs were “zeroed out.” But we all know there is no free lunch.

The governor’s proposal to create a Department of Agriculture leans on the elimination of Wildland Fire dispatch positions and the consolidation of Wildland Fire dispatch services to only Palmer and Fairbanks. I do not believe this is the best way to ensure a rapid and effective response to local wildland fires. I will not agree to shirking wildland fire protection to build a Department of Agriculture. I am open to continuing the conversation regarding a new department, if it is set up to succeed and be successful for the people it is designed to serve.

I support Alaska’s farmers and worked hard to pass Senate Bill 161 in the last Legislature. This bill allows farmers to receive property tax exemptions on farm buildings as well as farmland that they use to produce food, and it streamlined the qualifying requirements.

In addition, I am currently working with farmers and the Department of Natural Resources to make it easier for farmers to lease state land for agricultural use. The onerous requirements for leasing land, including unnecessary surveys and appraisals, as well as the artificial inflation of lease rates make it impossible for farmers to undertake new leases and still be a financially viable operation. At present, there are only four agriculture lease holders of state land, and we need to increase that number. I am dedicated to providing more farming opportunity in Alaska.

I am honored to be your state senator and I want to hear from you. You’re welcome to call my office at 907-283-7996 or email me at Sen.Jesse.Bjorkman@akleg.gov. I hope you’ll take the time to share your questions and ideas.