What's Happening in Anchorage, AK…

Jason Smith, the founder of Alaska Natural Organics, delivered fresh basil to a few grocery stores in early December, making for the first time a commercial hydroponics operation has provided greens anywhere in Alaska.

Smith was able to send about 100 basil plants to several Anchorage grocery stores, which he hopes will be the beginning of an effort to provide fresh greens year-round to stores throughout the state.

Smith went into operation earlier this year, locating Alaska Natural Organics in midtown Anchorage's Matanuska Maid building. He had hoped to begin selling his produce in May, but ran into production delays which pushed the deliveries back to December. Smith explained that many of the difficulties come from the fact that the operation is certified organic, as well as hydroponic. He noted that hydroponic organic gardens are difficult to manage, since it is necessary to find the perfect microbial balance to nourish the plants without chemicals.

In early December, some workers were planting seedlings, while others were checking the system that delivers nutrients and water to thousands of heads of lettuce, which are growing in vertical stacks. Although the number of plants is far short of the 20,000 Smith envisions as his optimum monthly output, he is happy with the progress to date.

In order to let stores know about his organic greens, Smith might want to create Brochures that describe his plants and gardening methods, as well as make it easy for them to order.
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