DeVilbiss takes reins as Division of Agriculture director

JOEL DAVIDSON/Frontiersman reporter

MAT-SU - Longtime Palmer carrot farmer and current Mat-Su Borough School Board Member, Larry DeVilbiss, took over, this month, as director of the state's Division of Agriculture.

Alaska Department of Natural Resources Commissioner Tom Irwin recently announced DeVilbiss's new position.

"His background gives him the ability to make sound decisions that best serve Alaska's agricultural interests," Irwin said in a DNR press release.

Gov. Frank Murkowski added his support of DeVilbiss's appointment.

"I am confident that Larry will help set a course toward resolving some difficult agricultural issues and moving the industry forward," Murkowski said in the release.

DeVilbiss has been an active part of the farming community in Alaska since 1956 and brings firsthand producer experience in the areas of vegetable, dairy and beef production.

"I am hopeful that I will be able to put a positive face on agriculture in Alaska," DeVilbiss said in a phone interview Tuesday. "My primary charge from the commissioner and the governor is to come up with a business plan that maps out where we think agriculture is going in the future in this state."

DeVilbiss will be responsible for managing the Division of Agriculture, in cooperation with industry representatives and the Board of Agriculture and Conservation, to set policy for statewide agriculture.

DeVilbiss spent the last week acquainting himself with division employees, to get a clearer idea of the current direction of agriculture and challenges that lie ahead.

A key part of DeVilbiss's vision for Alaskan agriculture is to see more food processed locally.

While Alaska already processes potato chips, beef and milk, DeVilbiss sees room for growth, including niche markets, value-added products and more marketing for Alaska Grown products.

The division provides services to improve agriculture enterprises through land sales, marketing and inspection programs.

DeVilbiss will work with the Board of Agriculture to administer the Agriculture Revolving Loan Fund, a fund which provides loans to assist the agricultural community in expanding production of Alaska-grown products. The BAC also manages ARLF assets.

DeVilbiss assumed his new position Feb. 1 at the Division of Agriculture's offices in Palmer.

"Today is my second week," DeVilbiss said. "There's a lot of good things going on in agriculture and it's been exciting to see it."