Rhodiola Project Launch with NW TOPP
Guest Blog Post: Written by Melissa Heuer of Spork Consulting
The Alaska Food Policy Council and Northwest Transition to Organic Partnership Program (NW TOPP) are partnering to explore opportunities for organic certification in Alaska. Spork Consulting is joining the project for a short pilot study to identify existing and interested Rhodiola growers in Alaska and to better understand the barriers and opportunities for Rhodiola farming in the state.
AFPC, in collaboration with Oregon Tilth/ NW TOPP, have contracted Spork to research the challenges and opportunities for organic certification, specifically for Alaskan Rhodiola farmers. It’s exciting to be part of an opportunity that could potentially expand the production value of a new crop in the state. I’ve heard from many people about the challenges or cost/benefits of organic certification. This will also be a unique opportunity to dive in deeper with Alaskans who are interested in transitioning to organic practices. With support from NW TOPP, I hope to connect with anyone interested in, already growing, or familiar with Rhodiola production. This project will culminate in June with a hybrid workshop covering information about growing Rhodiola organically and potential resources to help transition, expand, or start a new Rhodiola crop in Alaska.
This work is funded by the NW TOPP which is pivotal in supporting sustainable agriculture practices and promoting organic certification in Oregon and beyond. AFPC is working with NW TOPP to develop programs that can offer technical assistance, training, and research opportunities to Alaskan farmers, ranchers, and food producers who are interested in transitioning to organic practices or enhancing their existing operations. My role will be fostering conversations with Alaskan Rhodiola farmers to define paths where AFPC can build upon the work of NW TOPP and address how to make transitioning to organic economical and accessible to Alaskans. AFPC aims to understand Alaskan farmers' unique challenges, and I hope this program is a step towards finding unique solutions.
The success of this work relies on hearing from current and interested Rhodiola growers anywhere in Alaska. Please fill out the below survey or contact me at Spork Consulting directly at Melissa@SporkAK.com
For those less familiar with Rhodiola… it is a herbaceous perennial plant native to the Arctic regions of Europe, Asia, and North America. Commonly known as golden root or Arctic root, Rhodiola has been traditionally used in herbal medicine to combat fatigue, enhance mental performance, and alleviate stress, depression and anxiety. As interest in natural remedies grows, Rhodiola continues to be studied for its potential therapeutic applications, potentially offering a natural alternative for individuals seeking to enhance their well-being, especially in markets outside of Alaska.
You can learn more about Rhodiola in Alaska here:
Alaska Magazine: Rhodiola is All the Rage in Alaska (2021, September)
Alaska Division of Agriculture: Rhodiola Research Project Summary (2019, January)
Alaska Master Gardener Blog: Rhodiola Rosea: Medicinal Plant for Alaska (2017, December)
