Skagway Brewing Company Utilizes Aeroponic Vertical Farm to Combat Food Insecurity in Remote Alaska
Skagway Brewing Company in Skagway, Alaska, has implemented an indoor aeroponic vertical farm, dubbed the Raven’s Nest, to produce 250 pounds of artisanal lettuce weekly. This initiative addresses the significant challenge of accessing fresh, affordable produce in the remote town, which relies heavily on barges from the Lower 48 for food supplies. The farm, located on the third floor of the brewery, grows various lettuce types and basil, selected for their short crop cycles and suitability for vertical gardening. The system uses nutrient-rich mist sprayed directly onto roots and captures CO2 from the brewing process to accelerate growth, minimizing water use without soil or pesticides. This closed-loop system was designed with sustainability in mind by owner Mike Healy, who sought a consistent, fresh food source for his restaurant and the community. Despite initial challenges with the vendor, Healy and his team rebuilt and optimized the system through trial and error.
