By Jamie Martin
The USDA has appointed Arthur Keyes as the new State Executive Director (SED) for the Farm Service Agency (FSA) in Alaska.
This decision, announced by the Administration, is part of a broader initiative to strengthen rural communities and ensure farmers receive effective support at the state level. Keyes officially joined the Alaska FSA team on June 2, 2025.
Arthur Keyes has been a strong force in Alaska’s agriculture since 2003. At Glacier Valley Farms, he grows specialty crops like strawberries, tomatoes, zucchini, and onions. He also co-founded Alaska’s largest CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) program and worked with companies like BP and Hillcorp to bring local produce to more people.
From 2016 to 2019, Keyes served as Director of the Alaska Division of Agriculture, where he created the $5 Alaska Grown Challenge, a program encouraging people to support local food.
The challenge gained national attention and earned the 2018 North American Agricultural Marketing Excellence award.
In his new role, Keyes will oversee FSA programs in Alaska, including commodity support, conservation efforts, disaster aid, and farm credit programs. These programs help farmers and ranchers maintain a strong and sustainable agricultural system.
“FSA State Executive Directors serve in a critical role carrying out USDA’s mission at the state level — ensuring that our focus is on meeting the needs of local agricultural producers by putting farmers and ranchers first,” said FSA Administrator Bill Beam.
Keyes has also served on many agricultural boards, including the National Onion Board, Alaska Farm Bureau, and Palmer Soil and Water Conservation District, making him well-prepared for this vital role.
Photo Credit: usda
Categories: National