Advocacy
Beyond Farmland Protection
Alaska Farmland Trust continuously advocates for a healthy and sustainable agriculture and food system in Alaska. We try to raise awareness of and share information related to any/all issues that impact our farmers, ranchers and value added food producers.
Current Issues
The Matanuska Experiment Farm is under threat of development as a gravel pit. Protection of this key land is a priority project for AFTC.
The UAF Matanuska Experiment Farm and Extension Center is the cornerstone of the Matanuska Colony project which established agriculture as a viable enterprise in south-central Alaska. As a working farm, the UAF Matanuska Experiment Farm and Extension Center has been a working farm, supporting statewide and local agriculture, and providing state-of-the-art research to farmers and consumers for over 100 years.
Currently the University of Alaska Board of Regents is evaluating the economic potential for gravel extraction on the farm property. Gravel extraction on the farm would permanently destroy the agricultural value of the soils as well as eliminate any future agricultural research on the property. As a community treasure and critical agricultural partner the AFTC board joins other community organizations in urging the Alaska Board of Regents to reconsider gravel extraction on this invaluable community resource.
hOW YOU CAN HELP
For more information about land use advocacy, please get in touch.
The Alaska Farmland Trust envisions a future with thriving local food markets that will give Alaskans access to fresh, healthy food, and keep our farmers farming.
907-707-4083