Arctic Roots Farm
Farmer
Markets
About
Until 2007, the Gamble’s lived on the homestead, raising their family and grew a variety of crops. Half of the original homestead was sold with an additional six acres subdivided from the remaining homestead acreage for family homes. Chris DuBois and Nancy Davidian then purchased the remaining 74 acres. In October 2009, after the major renovation of a 1300 square foot log cabin on the farm, they opened Onig’s Cabin, a bed & breakfast. In January 2010, they completed the renovation of a second home and opened The Farm Cottage, another bed & breakfast. Their work over the last ten years clearing and developing the property resulted in what is popularly known as Arctic Roots Farm today.
We currently raise brome hay on 25 acres, provide vegetable and fruit produce to a local Farmer’s Market, raise yaks for future meat, raise geese and chickens for eggs and meat, and provide a comfortable residence for horses and sheep. Our goal is to supply the local community with non-GMO fruit and vegetable produce, culinary and medicinal herbs and farm fresh eggs, all produced by organic methods. We will continue to provide wild herbs and berries through our North Forty Farm brand. As we continue to develop the farm infrastructure, we will gradually adjust the farm production to meet community demand.
Programs and Partners
Production Practices
Antibiotic And Hormone Free Free Range Extended Growing Season Use Only Organic Materials Non Gmo Crop Rotation Low Till
Produce and herbs are grown and crops rotated among the outdoor beds and the high-tunnel and greenhouse space to provide maximum yield of quality, organically grown foods. Vegetable and plant residue are combined with onsite animal manure in the production of a continuous supply of garden compost. When nutrient supplements cannot be supplied by on-site production, we use only certified organic fertilizers from California Organic Fertilizers, Inc. Potting soils are organic and mixed on-site or provided by Risse Greenhouse in Fairbanks.
Greenhouse and high-tunnel space is used primarily for the production of sweet and hot peppers, as well as tomatoes and a limited amount of summer and winter squash. Future plans include adding high-tunnels to an expanded garden area.
The established orchard produces fruit such as apples, plums and tart cherries from small grafted trees, and several berry types. The fruit trees are varieties that were originally grafted by Claire Lammers, developer of Lammers’ orchard, which is located directly across the road from Arctic Roots Farm. Honeyberries, Saskatoon (or Service Berries), Chokecherries, Currants and Raspberries are produced in abundance during the summer. Honeyberries are available as early as mid-June, with other berries and fruit ripening throughout July and August.