(Juneau) - The House Economic Development, Trade and Tourism Committee introduced HCR 34, a resolution relating to promoting Alaska grown produce and food products to the visitor industry through the Fresher By Far program.

On Wednesday, April 5, 2006, Representatives Mark Neuman (R-Mat-Su), Jay Ramras (R-Fairbanks), and Bill Stoltze (R-Chugiak/Mat-Su) will be making a presentation to the Board of the Alaska Travel Industry Association to promote the Fresher By Far program. They will be joined by others, including Larry DeVilbiss, Director, Division of Agriculture, Al Clough, Deputy Commissioner, Department Commerce, Community, & Economic Development, Farmers Paul Huppert, Ronald Nelson, and Roger VanderWeele, and Brian McJunkin and Elvin Smith of Food Services of America.

The Fresher By Far program was established to promote Alaska grown produce and food products to the visitor industry. By simply shifting the buying preferences of the visitor industry, the Fresher By Far program will ensure that visitors to the State of Alaska experience the freshest produce, fish, and products manufactured throughout the state, providing an additional market for farmers, fishermen, and producers to sell their goods.

Following the presentation to the Board of the Alaska Travel Industry Association, a press conference will be held in the Speaker of the House's office at 11:30 a.m.

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