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Title: Sustainable agriculture for Alaska and the circumpolar north: Part 1. Development and status of northeren agriculture and food security

Author
item STEVENSON, KALB - University Of Alaska
item ALESSA, LILIAN - University Of Alaska
item KLISKEY, ANDREW - University Of Alaska
item RADER, HEIDI - University Of Alaska
item Pantoja, Alberto
item CLARK, MARK - Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS, USDA)

Submitted to: Arctic Institute of North America
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 8/25/2011
Publication Date: 9/1/2014
Citation: Stevenson, K.T., Alessa, L., Kliskey, A.D., Rader, H.B., Pantoja, A., Clark, M. 2014. Sustainable agriculture for Alaska and the circumpolar north: Part 1. Development and status of northeren agriculture and food security. Arctic Institute of North America. 67(3):271-295.

Interpretive Summary: In high latitude communities, the acquisition of food involves a dynamic mixture of food systems, including subsistence activities, commercial fishing, local agricultural production and imports. Local, sustainable agriculture, in particular, is becoming increasingly associated with resilience and food security in northern communities. Some areas, like Alaska, however, are relatively food insecure. Alaska depends heavily on imported foods and maintains only a minimal year-round food supply. To meet growing food demands, more local agricultural production is needed. However, this means confronting a unique set of challenges and limitations that must be addressed with sustainable solutions in mind. This article present information on sustainable agriculture at high latitudes that will address food security and sustainable agriculture.

Technical Abstract: Alaska is food insecure, importing an estimated 95% of all agricultural products and 50 commodities and only maintaining a year round food supply of about three to five days. We 51 review the history, development and current state of sustainable agriculture at high-latitudes, 52 especially Alaska, and discuss future directions for furthering food security and resilience 53 through local food production. This synthesis provides a foundation for future discussions of 54 the challenges and limitations to agriculture in the North, as well as possibilities for sustainable 55 solutions. Ultimately, this information will be helpful in directing the future of sustainable, high-56 latitude agriculture.