Moriah Smith

Because of warmer climate, Alaskans are now given the opportunity to grow a wider variety of crops. In years past farmers like Tim Meyers grow plants in green houses or even develop natural fertile to soften the ground. But without the issue of plowing through an artic terrain, potatoes, kale, and carrot can grow right out the Alaskan soil. This is a big deal, because most of the produce Alaskans eat is shipped from out of state. This food tends to be fairly expensive and obviously not as fresh. Grow their own food doesn’t just add variety but also helps Alaskan’s health. With the high price of shipping getting healthy food can be cost prohibitive to many families. Hopefully with cheaper local options, the state can save more money have more healthy residents.

This is similar to the agricultural shift that happened in the 1950s, because of a huge population growth after the war. This made a demand for more food at a faster rate, introducing the idea of chemical farming. This allowed hormones to be placed in the agriculture to make more food, without having to employ more farmers.

http://www.npr.org/2015/11/01/453337333/rising-temperatures-kick-start-sub-arctic-farming-in-alaska