Circumpolar Connections: A Dialogue on Arctic Food Systems
Across the circumpolar North, communities face similar challenges in building resilient and sustainable food systems due to harsh climates, remote geographies and rapidly changing environmental conditions.
The Institute of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Extension at the University of Alaska Fairbanks hosts a monthly seminar series designed to engage researchers, students and community members in dialogue about food systems and agricultural challenges across the circumpolar North. Each session will feature a 30-minute presentation followed by open discussion, encouraging audience participation and interdisciplinary connection.
While the series centers on agriculture and wild-harvested food in Alaska and other northern regions, its broader goal is to inspire curiosity, strengthen partnerships, and support resilient, sustainable food systems.
Register to attend on Zoom at .
Upcoming Seminar: Creating a Northern Grain Hub with Jakir Hasan
Tuesday, December 9, noon - 1 p.m.
Globe Room and on
Speaker: Jakir Hasan, research assistant professor of plant genetics
Hasan will explore what itmight take for Alaska to become food independent using cereal grain as an example. He will share case studies from other circumpolar countries and present ideas on what we can learn from their successes to grow more food, process it and sell it locally. He will propose a scenario in which Delta Junction becomes the hub for cereal-grain production in Alaska, outlining the necessary steps to make that a reality.

Future Seminars
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Dec9
Jakir Hasan, research assistant professor of plant genetics
Elvey Building Globe Room and on Zoom
12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. -
Jan13
Meriam Karlsson, professor of horticulture
Elvey Building Globe Room and on Zoom
12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. -
Feb10
Lacey Higham, directing manager of the Georgeson Botanical Garden
Elvey Building Globe Room and on Zoom
12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. -
March3
Jan Dawe, assistant professor of natural resource education and community engagement
Elvey Building Globe Room and on Zoom
12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. -
March31
Jessie Young-Robertson, research associate professor of forest ecology
Elvey Building Globe Room and on Zoom
12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. -
April14
Caley Gasch, research assistant professor of soil science
Elvey Building Globe Room and on Zoom
12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. -
April28
Elvey Building Globe Room and on Zoom
12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.
For more information, contact Laura Weingartner at 907-474-6009 or lgweingartner@alaska.edu.
