Alaska: Export program spared from budget cuts

For growers in the Kenai Peninsula’s developing agriculture industries, exporting internationally is still an option. A Division of Agriculture inspector position that issues phytosanitary certifications, or phytos, which are required by some importing countries, has been restored indefinitely, after it was on the table during this year’s budget cut discussions. “I put it forward because we had to make cuts,” said Division of Agriculture Director Franci Havemeister. “I had to make hard decisions. Everyone was looking at cuts across the board.” Talk of cutting the position sparked concerns with some local producers who are in the middle of developing or considering supplying to international markets. More