Despite its northern latitude, Alaska's long summer days and proximity to natural resources create optimal conditions for a wide range of crops and livestock. From the Matanuska-Susitna Valley to Delta Junction and beyond, the state of Alaska is committed to supporting expansion of this essential industry.
Alaska's unique growing conditions, with up to 20 hours of summer sunlight, enable rapid growth of cold-hardy produce and specialty crops. Farmers are one of the largest employers of how Alaska's unique growing conditions make farming a viable industry. The soil is largely undisturbed, pesticide-free due to isolation and climate, in an environment where fewer pests can thrive than most other regions, giving Alaska farmers' access to global markets paid the cleanliness premium.
With nearly 99% of food imported to Alaska, there is a growing demand for Alaska-grown food through innovation and sustainable practices. The State of Alaska, in partnership with the university, the state legislature, the USDA, Alaska Farm Bureau, and other agricultural associations and community-based food systems contribute to ensure Alaskans have access to fresh, locally grown food.