Food Security: Iceland vs. Alaska Julie Emslie M.A., Rural Development Project Manger, FEDC

What is Food Security? Iceland vs. Alaska Mechanisms Leading to Iceland’s Level of Food Security

What is Food Security? 3 Pillars ▫Availability–sufficient quantities of food available on a consistent basis ▫Access–having sufficient resources to obtain appropriate foods for a nutritious diet ▫Utilization–appropriate use based on knowledge of basic nutrition and care, as well as adequate water and sanitation STABILITY Shifting from Conventional (imported) to Integrated (local) Food Systems

Food Production and Agriculture in Iceland vs. Alaska Icelanders produce roughly half of the food they consume. ▫100% of meat, fish, dairy, eggs, and 50% of vegetables ▫Dependent on imports of grain, sugar, fruit, and vegetables Alaska currently imports 98% of its food. ▫Despite the large amount of gardening, hunting, fishing, and foraging ▫Annually, 85% of red meat from hoofed animals imported from outside Iceland: 3200 farms, roughly 6% of the population Alaska: 700 farms, roughly.1% of the population

Government Support Subsidies 34%- milk 44%-sheep small subsidy- tomatoes, cucumber, and paprika Import duties pork, poultry, eggs, flowers, potatoes, and some greenhouse and crop products Farmer’s Association of Iceland agricultural advisory service, animal breeding and preservation of national breeds, crop production and rotation, research and innovation, and forestry and soil conservation projects “Part of our character” ▫Isolation ▫Historical Events Recent Events ▫Economic Crisis ▫Volcanic Eruptions Importance of Food Security in Iceland