Terramar Hydro Farm
In Mendenhall Valley, Allen Butner is using innovative farming techniques to grow local greens for Southeast Alaska consumers.
Innovative Farming in Juneau
Inside a shipping container, the same type of structure that is used to move bananas thousands of miles, Allen Butner grows greens in Juneau Alaska. Part of a growing number of local Southeast Alaskan food producers, Butner of Terramar Hydro Farm grows lettuces, kale, arugula, and herbs using hydroculture. Hydroculture is a method of growing plants without soil and instead of feeding them with nutrient solutions in water. At Terramar Hydro Farm, growing panels hang from the ceiling overflowing with greenery ready to be distributed to local restaurants, grocery stores, and consumers. With LED lights, nutrient-enhanced water, and a whole lot of tenacity, Terramar Hydro Farm is growing the future of food security in Alaska one salad at a time.
“We are burning dead dinosaurs to ship rotten produce all over the state, I decided something needed to change”
Partnership with Spruce Root
Terramar Hydro Farm worked with Spruce Root to develop and refine their business plan, budget, and financial structure. They also received funding through Spruce Root’s business loan program.