The Alaska Division of Agriculture announced that eligible farmers will receive 40% of what they paid to feed their livestock under Round 1 of the Food Security Cost Assistance program. The State is partially reimbursing 43 commercial livestock producers that applied and provided receipts for animal feed purchased from Aug. 1, 2022 – Nov. 30, 2022. The grants are funded through the Governor’s Office of Food Security authorizing the transfer of $1 million in appropriated food security funds from the Department of Fish and Game to the Department of Natural Resources.
“Our farmers and livestock producers experienced significant challenges feeding their animals due to poor weather and the inflationary pressure of fuel and fertilizer last year,” said Governor Mike Dunleavy. “I am encouraged that these grants allow local producers to continue to provide food to Alaskans, and are an important step in my administration’s efforts towards food security in the state.”
Eligible applicants had farms that operate as a business in good standing with the state, with livestock like cattle, sheep, goats, swine, poultry, reindeer, elk, bison, and yak. Receipt reimbursement requests ranged from $398 to $147,000. Checks will be mailed by the end of the month for 40% of the total feed costs, with about $450,000 to be distributed. The average grant amount awarded will be approximately $10,700.
“Providing this cost assistance to 43 commercial livestock producers across the state is a strong start to supporting Alaskan agriculture in 2023,” said Mia Kirk, acting Director for the Division of Agriculture. “We know even more help is needed for Alaskan farmers and are working diligently on additional programs.”
The Division of Agriculture and the Governor’s Office of Food Security, as well as other State agencies, have been coordinating with the agriculture industry on other financial aid:
- Specialty Crop grant applications are being accepted through Feb. 10, 2023
- The Alaska Barley Transportation Support Grant Program invited companies to express their interest by Jan. 16
- Round 2 of the of the Food Security Cost Assistance program will focus on commercial feed producers later this year
- 2023 Microgrants for Food Security
- Low-interest loans through Agricultural Revolving Loan Fund https://dnr.alaska.gov/ag/ag_arlf.htm