Mosesian Farms of Alaska named 2025 Farm Family

Ahead of the Alaska State Fair, which kicks off August 15, the Alaska Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has announced the 2025 “Farm Family of the Year” is Mike Mosesian and his family, who own and operate Mosesian Farms of Alaska, Inc. If the name doesn’t ring any bells, maybe you recognize their store, known as Bell’s Nursery and Gifts.

With three locations in Anchorage: on Specking Road, Cranberry Road, and DeArmoun Road, Bell’s Nursey supplies Alaska Grown tomatoes and English cucumbers to major retailers throughout the state, as well as poinsettias during the holiday season. Bell’s garden nursery offers hanging baskets, tubs, trees and shrubs, and garden starts. They also own Bell’s Vineyard, where they grow grapevines in their greenhouse and produce their own wine.

Mike Mosesian grew up in Bakersfield, California, where his family farmed 1,000 acres of table and wine grapes, producing wine and raisins. While in California, Mosesian went to school for viticulture, and in moved to Alaska and founded Bell’s Nursery four years later.

“Entrepreneurs are the backbone of Alaska’s economy, and in agriculture they play an especially important role,” said Governor Mike Dunleavy in a press release. “Farming in Alaska requires innovation, risk-taking, and the ability to see opportunities where others might not. For nearly 50 years, the Mosesian family has shown how agricultural entrepreneurs can create value, adapt to challenges, and build a business that benefits the entire state. I congratulate them on being named the 2025 Farm Family of the Year.”

Bell’s Nursery has grown annual plants in the greenhouse and offers outdoor hanging baskets that can be custom ordered in the fall for a spring pickup. They produce hydroponic vine-ripened tomatoes and cucumbers, supplying fresh-grown produce to Carrs, Fred Meyer, Walmart, Charlies Produce, DiTomaso, Three Bears, and US Foods.

Bell’s Nursery is well-known for its poinsettias, which they begin growing in their nurseries in July, so they are ready by the holidays. Over the years, the nursery has expanded to include a gift shop and coffee bar, making it a popular shopping destination. Bell’s Vineyard grows approximately an acre and a half of grape vines that they use to make their own wines. Eventually, he would like to expand his vineyard to increase wine grape production for his winery. Mike is an active member of the Catholic Church and attends the Blessed Sacrament Monastery.

Mosesian has six children and ten grandchildren. Bell’s Nursery is a family business through and through, as his daughter Nicole Syren is their accountant, his son-in-law Stefan Schirda is the Crop Manager, and his daughter Marie-Louise Schirda does their social media marketing. Several of his grandchildren work seasonally during summer vacations, making 4 generations of farmers in their family. To Mosesian, family farming is about sustainability and food safety for his community.

“I like the challenge of farming in Alaska and the ability to grow produce that is picked ripe, packed, and delivered to the customer daily,” said Mosesian. “We are able to deliver a fresh, vine-ripened product to a market that is saturated by produce from the lower 48 that is not fresh.”

“Mike Mosesian and his family have an inspiring story to tell in Alaskan agriculture,” said Bryan Scoresby, Director of the Division of Agriculture. “Their food crops make our tables brighter, and their flowers warm our hearts and minds. Adding grapes makes for year-round growing operations. Who said you cannot grow inside a greenhouse year-round? Mike does and has proven that it can be done with profit in mind. Their business model provides generations of Alaskans with hard and honest work opportunities, with more to come. I am proud to support Mike Mosesian, his children, and grandchildren, for the Farm Family of the Year in 2025. Their 49 years of contribution to Alaskan agriculture is impressive, innovative, and inspiring to all.”

“Every Year, The Alaska State Fair celebrates the important history of agriculture in our state, while showcasing the hard work and dedication of Alaska’s farming community. We are pleased to continue to partner with the Division of Agriculture to honor this year’s Farm Family of the Year,” said Jeff Curtis, Alaska State Fair CEO.

The Farm Family of the Year award was established in 2000 by the Alaska Division of Agriculture and the Alaska State Fair, with sponsorship provided by Matanuska Valley Federal Credit Union, to honor an Alaska farm family that best epitomizes the spirit of the industry and to show appreciation for the hard-working Alaskans committed to agriculture. Members of the agriculture community nominate their own for this prestigious annual award!

There will be a reception will be held at the Virgil Eckert Memorial Garden on Friday, August 15, 2025, from 4:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m. to celebrate and support Alaska's agricultural community.

The Alaska Farm Family of the Year for 2024 was Bruce and Vickie Bush, who own and operate Bushes Bunches in Palmer. For a complete list of previous winners over the past 24 years, please visit www.dnr.alaska.gov/ag/ag_FFY.htm.