State of Alaska

Department of Natural Resources

Notice of Public Scoping for Possible

Updates and Revisions of DNR Regulations Under Administrative Order 266

Agriculture Marketing and Grading 11 AAC Chapter 32

Agriculture Plant Health and Quarantine as outlined in 11 AAC Chapter 34

Bees and Beneficial Insects as outlined in 11 AAC Chapter 35

Regulations for the activities managed by DNR as mandated in Alaska Statutes Title 3, Agriculture, Animals and Food

The Alaska Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is considering updating and revising its regulations regarding Agriculture Marketing and Grading as outlined in 11 AAC Chapter 32; Agriculture Plant Health and Quarantine as outlined in 11 AAC Chapter 34, and Bees and Beneficial Insects as outlined in 11 AAC Chapter 35.  In addition to reviewing these regulations, the Division of Agriculture is interested in hearing the public’s opinion regarding possible regulations for the activities mandated in Alaska Statutes Title 3.  These include but are not limited to possible regulations regarding fees for services, operations of domestic elk fencing (and possibly other species) and the Alaska Grown program.   Any other comments related to the regulatory functions of the Division of Agriculture are welcomed.   In addition, as requested by the Board of Agriculture and Conservation, DNR will accept comments on the regulations regarding the Agricultural Revolving Loan Fund as outlined in 11 AAC Chapter 39.  Please note that the comment period for the State’s Industrial Hemp Pilot program have closed.  For more information or a copy of the existing regulations and statutes, go to http://dnr.alaska.gov/ag under hot topics or contact David W. Schade at the Alaska Department of Natural Resources, Division of Agriculture, 1800 Glenn Highway, Suite 12, Palmer Alaska, david.w.schade@alaska.gov, or (907) 761-3867.

The purpose of this notice is to ask the public for their ideas and suggestions for these regulations developments before the department undertakes the task of drafting any specific proposed regulations for public review.  These ideas and suggestions can be as broad or as narrow, or as general or as specific, as a submitter may wish.  The Department is not currently proposing any specific regulations.  There are no draft regulations to review.  The department is soliciting feedback and comments from the public on whether or how they could revise regulatory framework related to the existing regulatory framework related to Agriculture.  DNR is also asking affected members of the public and relevant industry organizations for their input regarding suggestions and proposals which would improve or establish regulations which can support or expand Alaska’s agricultural industries. 

Written comments, suggestions, and other input must be received by the DNR, Division of Agriculture no later than 5:00 p.m. on January 31, 2020.   Please send all submissions by mail or email to:

David W. Schade, MPA

Alaska Department of Natural Resources

Division of Agriculture

1800 Glenn Highway, Suite 12,

 Palmer Alaska,

dnr.ag.regulations@alaska.gov

DNR will consider the submitted information, if and, when DNR proposes regulatory updates and revisions to this Section.  Any proposed regulatory updates and revisions will subsequently be released for public review and comment under the Administrative Procedures Act; AS 44.62.  DNR reserves the right to waive technical defects in this publication.  DNR complies with Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.  Individuals with disabilities who may need auxiliary aides, services or special modifications to participate in this scoping request may contact the above address, email, or the TDD number (907) 269-8411.

Publish date: December 11, 2019