(Juneau) - Agriculture continues to play a critical role in the Mat-Su Valley economy. For that reason, legislative leadership chose Sen. Charlie Huggins (R - Rural Mat-Su/Chugiak) to attend the 2006 Legislative Agricultural Chairs Summit, January 20-22 in Tempe, Arizona.

"The Mat-Su Valley is the breadbasket of Alaska. Even though the valley is undergoing an explosion of new homes and other development, it's important we recognize that farming remains an important part of our region's economy, culture and heritage," said Sen. Huggins.

The summit will bring together 90 state lawmakers to discuss renewable energy, rural job development, international trade and the upcoming Federal Farm Bill.

The Council of State Governments, the National Conference of State Legislatures and the Rural Policy Institute are organizing the summit.

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