School of Agriculture and Land Resources Management, Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station
Abstract
The controlled-environment agricultural (CEA)
project discussed in this report was first conceived for
the Wildwood Air Force Station in Kenai, Alaska, in
1972. The region contained high unemployment and a
U.S. Air Force Station that had just closed. The Kenai
Native Association, Inc. (KNA), was to take possession
of the Air Force Station through land transfers associated
with the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act,
and this corporation was interested in expanding
business and employment opportunities for local
people. The University of Alaska Agricultural Experiment
Station (AES) contacted KNA to determine if it
had a facility which might be adaptable for use in a
research and development program in controlled-
1
environment agriculture. It was determined that such
a facility was available. Subsequently, AES and KNA
contacted the General Electric Company (GE) in
Syracuse, New York, to determine its interest in such a
project. GE had extensive background in lighting technology
and environmental control systems and the
engineering capability to develop a total system for
CEA production. It was agreed that GE would provide
technological expertise and AES would provide horticultural
and economic expertise for the growing and
marketing of a variety of salad crops. KNA would
manage the project, employ the nontechnical people,
and provide the building.
The Wildwood site was selected because it contained
two buildings which were thought to be well
suited for CEA production. One building would provide
sufficient inside space for a 1/4-acre pilot production
plant, nine small research modules , a laboratory ,
offices, a training area, and space for preparing the
crop for shipping. A second building near the first
contained three diesel generators which were to be
converted to natural gas to provide power for the
production facility.The Controlled Environment Agriculture Project
at Wildwood Village, Kenai, Alaska, spanned a period
of five years. During that time, three agencies: Kenai
Native Association, Inc.; General Electric Company;
and University of Alaska Agricultural Experiment Station
, were responsible for the management, research,
and production activities. Many persons from these
agencies who participated in all phases of the project
are acknowledged for their participation and support.
This report summarizes work began in 1972 and
concluded in 1977 on controlled-environment agriculture
in facilities located at Wildwood Village, Kenai,
Alaska, managed by the Kenai Native Association , Inc.
The authors wish to express their appreciation to
all those who have participated in the preparation of
this bulletin. Particular acknowledgment is given to:
Dr. Gerald Carlson, U.S .D.A., Beltsville, Maryland; Dr.
Donald Dinkel, University of Alaska, Agricultural
Experiment Station; Dr. Delbert Hemphill, Oregon
State University ; John Monfor, Kenai Native Association,
Inc.; Dr. Eion Scott, General Electric Company;
and Dr. Norman Whittlesey, Washington State University,
who thoroughly reviewed the contract document
