In Peters Creek, Alaska, at the foot of Bear Mountain, Josh Smith, a U.S. Air Force veteran and proprietor of Bear Mountain Forest Nursery, is delving into the potential of hazelnuts as a viable crop in the state's evolving climate. Collaborating with researchers from the University of Alaska, Smith is in pursuit of hazelnut strains that can endure Alaska's extreme temperature fluctuations.
Alaska's climate is warming at a rate two to three times faster than the global average, extending the growing season by three weeks since 1970. This climatic shift is enabling the cultivation of a diverse array of crops previously considered unsuitable for the state's sub-Arctic conditions, including peaches, plums, walnuts, cherries, and asparagus. Smith's focus on hazelnuts is part of a broader initiative to explore new agricultural possibilities in Alaska, aiming to contribute to the state's food security and promote homegrown horticulture.
The state of Alaska is witnessing unprecedented temperature increases, with Anchorage recording its first 90-degree day in 2019. These changes are prompting a reassessment of agricultural practices and potential in the region. The U.S. Department of Agriculture's updated plant hardiness zones reflect Alaska's warmer conditions, suggesting that areas around Anchorage now fall within Zones 4 to 5, making them more conducive to hazelnut cultivation.
Efforts to adapt various crops to Alaska's unique environment are not new. Over a century ago, the Sitka hybrid strawberry was developed, marking the beginning of a long history of agricultural innovation in the state. Recent advancements and the use of technology, such as high tunnels, have further expanded the range of fruits and vegetables that can be successfully grown in Alaska.
Smith, who also works as a Department of Defense federal employee, began his horticultural journey out of a deep interest in plants and a recognition of the impacts of climate change on agriculture. He is experimenting with a variety of crops, including hazelnuts, aiming to adapt them to Alaska's conditions. His efforts include growing plants from local seed stock, such as wild berries and other native species, to enhance food security and sustainability.
As Smith continues to test and plant new hazelnut strains, including hardy lines from Canada, he remains cautiously optimistic about the crop's potential in Alaska. While not expecting hazelnuts to become a major commercial industry in the state immediately, he believes in the importance of exploring new agricultural opportunities as part of adapting to the changing climate.
Source: Anchorage Daily News