Alaskans urged to buy ‘Alaska Grown'

July 9, 2006

By Amy Schenck

Frontiersman

PALMER - Local farmer Marie Domer urges people to buy local.

&#8220It keeps the economy going and the agricultural community alive,” said Domer of the organic Domer Family Farm.

Domer said presentation is the biggest selling challenge she faces.

&#8220People who buy from us understand that you're going to have a little hole here or there, and they're OK with that because they know its fresh and organic,” Domer said.

For those that want local produce delivered weekly, many farms offer subscription farming, in which a customer buys a share of the crop.

&#8220Whatever is ready that week, you get your share of it,” Domer said.

If crops grow well, subscribers eat well. If crops fail, subscribers' stomachs feel the effects.

The Domer Family Farm has 10 subscription customers, charging $450 for a summer subscription. A half-subscription costs $250.

The 20 subscribers to Kenley's Alaskan Vegetables pay $250 for a weekly basket.

Amy Harman, the daughter of owner Carol Kenley, started signing up subscribers over a decade ago. At age 12, Harman was the one who got her family into the business of selling produce, at first with a roadside stand. Now married, Harman has passed the baton on to her 15-year-old sister, Rachel Kenley.

Employing cousins and friends to help weed, pick and clean, Rachel Kenley earns money for college.

&#8220Instead of going out to get a summer job, this is her job,” said Lila Willardson, Rachel Kenley's aunt.

Contact Amy Schenck at 352-5569 or amy.schenck@alaskapacific.edu