Gov. Palin has shown support of agriculture

Within hours of the announcement that Governor Palin had been selected as Senator McCain’s vice presidential running mate, the Alaska Farm Bureau started to receive telephone calls from agricultural newspapers around the country. They were interested in our reaction, her agricultural view points and our working relationship with her. This is our response.

The Alaska Farm Bureau has enjoyed a good relationship with Gov. Sarah Palin. She has always been accessible and approachable and has attended several of our functions. The governor has been very supportive and interested in Alaska agriculture, agricultural issues as well as FFA.

Under her administration, the Division of Agriculture received general funding for the first time in many years.

She signed an executive proclamation and then legislation designating the first Tuesday of May each year as Alaska Agriculture Day.

She has personally made the Farm Family of the Year presentations since she has been governor.

Her family joined her in a recent photo shoot promoting the Alaska Grown program.

The governor, the Legislature and the whole state has been focused on oil and the gas pipeline much of the governor’s administration to date. That issue has just been resolved and is now moving ahead. We look forward to addressing and resolving many of the issues and concerns agriculture is facing in the state.

The Alaska Farm Bureau has been working with the Division of Agriculture to develop a long-range plan for agriculture and hope to introduce legislation for an Alaska Farm Bill in the next legislative session.

The Alaska Farm Bureau is pleased that Governor Palin has been selected as Sen. John McCain’s vice presidential running mate, and we are confident that agriculture will be an important component of this administration’s platform.

Bryce Wrigley, president

Alaska Farm Bureau

Delta Junction