Agriculture and fishing Alaska

halibut important state s economy both commercial , sport-caught fish.

due northern climate , short growing season, relatively little farming occurs in alaska. farms in either matanuska valley, 40 miles (64 km) northeast of anchorage, or on kenai peninsula, 60 miles (97 km) southwest of anchorage. short 100-day growing season limits crops can grown, long sunny summer days make productive growing seasons. primary crops potatoes, carrots, lettuce, , cabbage.

the tanana valley notable agricultural locus, delta junction area, 100 miles (160 km) southeast of fairbanks, sizable concentration of farms growing agronomic crops; these farms lie north , east of fort greely. area largely set aside , developed under state program spearheaded hammond during second term governor. delta-area crops consist predominately of barley , hay. west of fairbanks lies concentration of small farms catering restaurants, hotel , tourist industry, , community-supported agriculture.

alaskan agriculture has experienced surge in growth of market gardeners, small farms , farmers markets in recent years, highest percentage increase (46%) in nation in growth in farmers markets in 2011, compared 17% nationwide. peony industry has taken off, growing season allows farmers harvest during gap in supply elsewhere in world, thereby filling niche in flower market.

alaska, no counties, lacks county fairs. however, small assortment of state , local fairs (with alaska state fair in palmer largest), held in late summer. fairs located in communities historic or current agricultural activity, , feature local farmers exhibiting produce in addition more high-profile commercial activities such carnival rides, concerts , food. alaska grown used agricultural slogan.

alaska has abundance of seafood, primary fisheries in bering sea , north pacific. seafood 1 of few food items cheaper within state outside it. many alaskans take advantage of salmon seasons harvest portions of household diet while fishing subsistence, sport. includes fish taken hook, net or wheel.

hunting subsistence, caribou, moose, , dall sheep still common in state, particularly in remote bush communities. example of traditional native food akutaq, eskimo ice cream, can consist of reindeer fat, seal oil, dried fish meat , local berries.

alaska s reindeer herding concentrated on seward peninsula, wild caribou can prevented mingling , migrating domesticated reindeer.

most food in alaska transported state outside , , shipping costs make food in cities relatively expensive. in rural areas, subsistence hunting , gathering essential activity because imported food prohibitively expensive. though small towns , villages in alaska lie along coastline, cost of importing food remote villages can high, because of terrain , difficult road conditions, change dramatically, due varying climate , precipitation changes. cost of transport can reach high 50¢ per pound ($1.10/kg) or more in remote areas, during difficult times, if these locations can reached @ during such inclement weather , terrain conditions. cost of delivering 1 gallon (3.8 l) of milk $3.50 in many villages per capita income can $20,000 or less. fuel cost per gallon routinely 20–30¢ higher continental united states average, hawaii having higher prices.