Circumpolar Connections: A Dialogue on Arctic Food Systems

Across the circumpolar North, communities face similar challenges in building resilient and sustainable food systems due to harsh climates, remote geographies and rapidly changing environmental conditions. 

The Institute of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Extension at the University of Alaska Fairbanks hosts a monthly seminar series designed to engage researchers, students and community members in dialogue about food systems and agricultural challenges across the circumpolar North. Each session will feature a 30-minute presentation followed by open discussion, encouraging audience participation and interdisciplinary connection.

While the series centers on agriculture and wild-harvested food in Alaska and other northern regions, its broader goal is to inspire curiosity, strengthen partnerships, and support resilient, sustainable food systems.

Register to attend on Zoom at . 

Upcoming Seminars

Tuesday, April 14, noon - 1 p.m.

Globe Room and on

Speaker: Caley Gasch, research assistant professor of soil science

Gasch will dig into the importance of agricultural soils of Alaska and the circumpolar north. She will share her findings on the unique chemical, physical and biological characteristics of agriculture soils in Alaska and how they compare to other high-latitude soils. She will explore how region and land use affect soil properties and function.

 

Tuesday, April 28, noon - 1 p.m.

Globe Room and on

Speakers: Jim Vinyard, research assistant professor of livestock nutrition and Missy Good, mariculture specialist

 Vinyard and Good will discuss how the mariculture industry is opening the door for livestock owners to try new animal feeds, from kelp to crab meal. 

A flyer about an upcoming seminar

 

Future Seminars

For more information, contact Laura Weingartner at 907-474-6009 or lgweingartner@alaska.edu.