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Alaska Food Policy Council:
Autumn 2020
Wow, it's already officially the first day of Autumn- happy equinox everyone! We have been busy at AFPC.  The summer has been filled with advocacy efforts- like compiling the 2020 AFPC Candidate Questionaire, and planning for our next AK Food Festival & Conference, November 5-7th, held virtually!

Be sure to check out all the details below.  We have an amazing line up planned and hope you'll join us.
Donate to or become a Supporting Member of the Alaska Food Policy Council
Check out the report here
2020 AFPC Candidate Survey
We asked candidates questions related to Alaska's food system.  Click on the button below to review their responses and get informed before the general election, November 3rd
2020 AFPC Candidate Survey
Conference Corner:
Join us virtually for Alaska Food Policy Council's 5th semi-annual Alaska Food Conference & Festival!

November 6-7, 2020

The Alaska Food Conference & Festival is an opportunity for attendees to learn more about, and engage in, the various issues affecting Alaska's food system. In our 5th semi-annual event, November 6-7th, local, regional, and national speakers will present on a variety of food security, production, business, and community issues, with a special emphasis on rural and indigenous food systems, and food entrepreneurship. The conference will also offer chef and food preparation demonstrations, DIY workshops, and virtual farm and processing facility tours. Our virtual platform provides a number of ways for interaction and personal engagement.

AK Food Hero Nomination
Abstract Submission Portal
Sponsorships

Registration
the first 300 registrants will receive a "Conference in a Box Shwag Kit" mailed to your door!

Registration Scholarships
we have 50+ registration scholarships available, provided with sponsorships from APU/FRESH, Alaska Village Initiatives, and Alaska Farmers Market Association! Apply today - first come first serve!
Sean Sherman (the Sioux Chef) and Danielle Nierenberg (Food Tank)

Given our virtual format for the 2020 conference, we are able to bring in a fully loaded slate of state and national Keynote Speakers! 
Stay tuned for more on this amazing lineup!!
Celebrate Food Safety Education Month by washing your hands! 
A USDA study showed that only 1% of people washed their hands correctly before preparing food. Washing your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds before preparing food can help prevent food poisoning. Learn more here!
Please plan to apply early, prior to the Sept. 30th Deadline:
After September 25th, you will need to reach out to the State of Alaska Division of Public Assistance directly with any questions about applying for P-EBT or technical assistance needs. Please contact the Wasilla office (handling P-EBT) at 1-877-357-2538 or DPAWasilla.office@alaska.gov
 
Seafood Trade Relief Program Announcement 

STRP is part of a federal relief strategy to support fishermen and other producers while the administration continues to work on free, fair and reciprocal trade deals to open more markets to help American producers compete globally.

Salmon is one of the seafood commodities covered through this program. Salmon is covered at a rate of $0.16 / lb on 2019 salmon landings. 

The application period is September 14th - December 14th
While there is no indication this fund will be exhausted, fishermen are encouraged to apply as soon as they can. 

Fishermen who have applied reported it was a fairly easy process and took about an hour to complete. 

Program Website: LINK   
877-508-8364 to speak directly with a USDA employee 

USDA Supports U.S. Seafood Industry Impacted by
Retaliatory Tariffs

More information here.
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will provide approximately $530 million to support the U.S. seafood industry and fishermen impacted by retaliatory tariffs from foreign governments. The funding will be provided through the Seafood Trade Relief Program and funded through the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC), administered by USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA).
Public comment period is still open on DEC's proposed regulations that would impact Alaska’s sheep & goat owners.  

More information can be found at: https://www.alaskafb.org/m-ovi-regulations/ 

Read the proposed regulations and submit comments here https://dec.alaska.gov/eh/vet/regulations/animal-health/
The majority of farmers selling locally have suffered severe market disruptions due to COVID-19. 

The Local and Regional Farmer and Market Support Act includes:
  • COVID-19 relief payment program for local and regional farmers.
  • Equitable access to COVID-19 relief for Black, Indigenous, and POC producers and low-income communities of color.
  • Emergency public health  grants for farmers markets and local food enterprises.
  • Restoration and enhancement of local and value-added agriculture markets.

FREE: Pre-Conference Film Screening of GATHER

Co-hosted by Native Movement and Alaska Food Policy Council

NOVEMBER 5TH, 5:30-7:30PM:

REGISTRATION IS FREE, BUT REQUIRED

"Gather is an intimate portrait of the growing movement amongst Native Americans to reclaim their spiritual, political and cultural identities through food sovereignty while battling the trauma of centuries of genocide.
November 13-14, 2020: 
Alaska Farm Bureau's Annual Meeting: Friday Forum, awards banquet and annual business meeting. Currently scheduled to take place at Land's End in Homer, Alaska. Please take the survey to provide feedback to our Board of Directors 
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