Farmland is for the future

To the editor:

Farmland preservation is a hot topic recently, with most discussions focused on whether public funds should be involved. Regardless of funding sources, farmland preservation needs to be addressed.

The most productive agricultural land in Alaska, based on soil properties and climate (sufficient hours of sunlight during the growth season) are in parts of the Mat-Su, Fairbanks and Delta Junction areas. All three areas share deep, fertile loess soils.

Mat-Su has the best infrastructure and is closest to most of the population. Yet, just like the Lower 48, we are rapidly converting the best agricultural land to other uses. We may not all see the need for local agriculture now, but we will in the future. If we lose the best soils now, they are gone for good. Our vision needs to be long-range. We need to maintain agricultural land, both for food production and agricultural research. Various options for preserving agricultural land need to be explored. Innovative ideas need to be considered. One farm owner’s request to allow gravel extraction from hilly farm ground, followed by reclamation of the topsoil and restoration to agricultural use is a great example. We need to start thinking long-term.

Joe Moore

Palmer