Bill > SB128

This bill establishes a new Department of Agriculture in Alaska by transferring agricultural-related functions from the Department of Natural Resources. The bill comprehensively amends numerous existing statutes to replace references to the Department of Natural Resources with the new Department of Agriculture. Key provisions include defining the department's duties, which encompass promoting agricultural development, conducting agricultural research, controlling plant pests, providing information and assistance to farmers, managing agricultural land sales, and overseeing programs like industrial hemp and community seed libraries. The bill outlines the commissioner of agriculture's powers, which include conducting land surveys, providing technical guidance to settlers, developing soil conservation plans, and creating soil and water conservation districts. The transition provisions ensure that existing employees, ongoing legal proceedings, contracts, licenses, and regulatory instruments will seamlessly transfer to the new department. The new Department of Agriculture will be officially established on July 1, 2025, and will be responsible for administering state programs related to agriculture, soil conservation, and agricultural land development, with a focus on supporting and expanding Alaska's agricultural industry.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

Resources (Senate)

https://www.akleg.gov/basis/Bill/Detail/34?Root=SB128