Barley Production in the Delta-Clearwater Area of Interior Alaska

Abstract

When oil from Prudhoe Bay on the northern coast of Alaska began to flow in the fall of 1977, it marked the beginning of another flow of perhaps equal significance. Eighty per cent of the revenue received by the State of Alaska in the foreseeable future will come from the oil industry. This prompts concern that long-term growth of the Alaskan economy is based on revenue from a single nonrenewable resource. Historically, nonrenewable resources have exhibited a boom-bust development pattern. Diversifying the economy of the state could contribute to economic stability. Of particular interest, when the development of renewable resources is considered, is the potential for agriculture. A half century ago, the Tanana Valley in interior Alaska produced a higher per-capita quantity of agricultural products for Fairbanks consumers than it does today. Now, more than 95 per cent of the food consumed in the area is imported from areas outside the state. Additionally, there is a growing worldwide concern abut increasing populations and the need for increased food production. This has created a new awareness of agriculture in Alaska as well as across the nation.The information presented in this bulletin is part of a report prepared for the ad hoc agriculture group of the State of Alaska. The group was formed at the request of Governor Jay S. Hammond and is headed by W. I. "Bob" Palmer, Special Projects Director of the Office of the Governor. The report on the feasibility of barley production in the Delta-Clearwater Area presented to Governor Hammond through the ad hoc group was prepared by the authors of this bulletin and Wayne C. Thomas, Associate Professor of Economics, Agricultural Experiment Station, University of Alaska, Fairbanks; Dominic Carney, Alaska Department of Commerce and Economic Development; and Edward Kern, Alaska Department of Agriculture-all of whom are acknowledged with gratitude