Several state-sponsored programs will help you identify authentic, Alaskan products when shopping in Alaska. Make sure you look for the labels!

Here is a brief explanation of the three different seals you should look for.  

Made in Alaska

The "Made in Alaska Program" was established by the Alaska Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development to promote those products manufactured, handcrafted, or made in the state.  

Products that meet the program's 51% or more produced in Alaska are eligible to apply to use the Made in Alaska seal. To be approved for this seal, a manufacturer must first apply for a permit and meet rigorous criteria. 

When purchasing a product in Alaska, look for the black and white seal of a mother bear and her cub. The seal assures you are buying genuine Alaskan goods made with the highest quality standards. 

This permit and its seal are used for all types of products, ranging from food items to industrial equipment like ships, heavy machinery, etc.

Alaska Grown

The Alaska Grown logo identifies those agricultural products grown in Alaska and serves as a country-of-origin label for the USDA.

This program is supported by the Alaska Department of Natural Resources Agriculture Division and helps consumers identify local products, including vegetables, meat, milk, honey, furs, and wool products. 

Alaska Grown products can be found across the state at farmers' markets, stores, and individual farms that sell their products directly to the public.  

Alaska Silver Hand

Since 1972, the Alaska Silver Hand program has helped Alaska Native artists promote their art. Managed by the Alaska State Council on the Arts, the seal indicates that the artwork on which it appears is handcrafted in Alaska by an individual Alaska Native artist. 

To be eligible for a Silver Hand permit, an Alaska Native artist must be at least 18 years old, a full-time resident of Alaska, and provide proof of membership in a federally recognized Alaska Native tribe. 

This seal allows consumers to identify and purchase authentic Alaska Native art. 

By acquiring products with these seals, you can rest assured you are buying genuine products that support the Alaskan economy and its people.

To be approved for these seals of authenticity, products must undergo a rigorous process that can take a long time, which means not all products produced in Alaska have these seals. Other items made by local companies and individuals may not include these certifications but are still authentic Alaskan products.