Arctic Organics

Arctic Organics is a family-run vegetable farm near Palmer, Alaska managed by Sarah and River Bean since 1988. Our mission is to provide clean, pesticide-free, GMO-free, and chemical-free produce by employing sustainable farming techniques that align with natural processes. We cultivate 100% of the produce we sell, fostering a direct and sustainable connection between farmers and consumers in our community.

For 35 years, we operated a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program. Recently, we transitioned to a modified CSA model allowing members to use a CSA Card for purchases at various venues including our greenhouse, farm stand, farmers market, and online store in winter. This model maintains our commitment to our members, offering them input into their orders. We provide produce, plants, apple trees, and cut flowers at our farm and at the Anchorage Farmers Market from early May to mid-October, and also grow specialty vegetables for local restaurants. Storage vegetables can be ordered from our online store during the winter season.

In addition to farming, we initiated the Alaska Organic Association, a certification program for local organic growers. This association supports our principles of organic farming and was instrumental in founding the Eagle River Farmers Market and the Anchorage Farmers Market.

Our farm consists of 20 acres located in a glacial valley, with 6 acres cleared for cultivation. These areas are protected by a 6-foot electric moose fence and are used to cultivate around 50 vegetable varieties and cut flowers in raised beds. We also allocate 2 acres to larger crops like carrots, potatoes, and beets. Our operation includes two greenhouses, cold frames, and a half-acre combining a raspberry field with a poultry run. Besides vegetables, we maintain herb gardens, an apple orchard, and beehives; we also raise chickens for egg and meat production. The remaining land is forested with birch and spruce, undergrowth of wild rose, cranberries, currants, and grasses. Our glacial silt-based soil, while low in natural fertility, is high in organic matter. We adhere to sustainable organic practices such as composting, using green manure and organic amendments, and forgoing agricultural chemicals. Although certified organic by the Alaska Organic Association prior to 2002, we continue to uphold higher standards beyond federal regulations.