Fresh and Local in Alaska: Indoor Farms Provide Year-Round Produce
On a chilly December day, Soldotna farmer Taylor Lewis is busy harvesting crops at Edgy Veggie, an indoor hydroponic farm that grows produce year-round. Despite freezing temperatures outside, Taylor and her mother-in-law Jayme Lewis are processing about 900 plants this week, including lettuce.
The winter season is crucial for businesses like Edgy Veggie, as many Alaskans are not able to garden due to the high cost of heating greenhouses. Growing without soil in climate-controlled conditions, hydroponic farms recycle water and minimize waste.
Another local hydroponic farm, fresh365, also operates indoors and sees increased sales in the winter. However, challenges include high energy costs and the need for solar panels. Despite these difficulties, the farms are dedicated to providing fresh, local produce throughout the year.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, only 5% of the food consumed in Alaska is grown locally, due to the state’s short growing seasons. Indoor farming offers a solution by providing fresh produce to the community, even in the depths of winter.
Both Edgy Veggie and fresh365 aim to make a profit while serving their community with fresh, sustainable produce. These innovative indoor farms are revolutionizing the way Alaskans access local food, offering a year-round alternative to wilted grocery store produce.
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Photo credit www.kdll.org
