More than $1.5 million will be invested in the state’s economy through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Micro-Grants for Food Security Program. The Alaska Division of Agriculture administers this program in the state and worked with an independent review committee to select 441 individuals who will be receiving funding.
Governor Mike Dunleavy:
“Programs like this help Alaskans improve both the quantity and quality of locally grown food in food insecure communities. Small-scale agricultural projects are a key part of increasing the State’s food security.”
The grants are part of the 2018 Farm Bill that created a special program for Alaska, Hawaii, and the U.S. Territories to support food security. More than 7,000 applications were received for this round of micro-grants in Alaska, with 441 individuals approved for funding through the USDA Agriculture Marketing Service. Another 59 applications from organizations are being reviewed.
The Division focused funding on projects critical for food security, with a priority on Alaska’s rural supply chain:
- 100+ grants totaling more than $570,000 for greenhouse projects
- 150+ grants totaling over $358,000 for gardening proposals
- Almost 100 grants totaling over $570,000 for proposals related to subsistence
- 60+ grants totaling $145,000 for fencing projects
Successful applicants will be alerted of their funding status via e-mail. Information for future grant opportunities will be available here.
The state Department of Natural Resources aims to develop, conserve and maximize the use of Alaska’s natural resources.
