Introduction Tracking the growth and development of a new industry is critical to the assessment of its success. Growers, industry support groups, government leaders, educational and research organizations and more use basic statistics on crop production, markets, and growth over time to support and fund activities that promote this industry. Annual statistics also provide an indicator of industry health and can be used to develop models of long-term trends in industry growth. Beginning in 2011, the University of Alaska Fairbanks Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station began compiling industry statistics. We summarize confidential grower information to provide baseline data that the industry can use to obtain funding, make business decisions, and promote their industry.
Methods A survey was designed by growers in the peony industry and members of the Alaska Peony Growers Association. Data included the following: 1. Number of roots in the ground including historic data from previous years, current year and future planting plans; 2. The name of cultivars planted and the number of roots in the field for each cultivar; 3. Total fresh cut stems harvested and sold to state, national, and international markets; 4. Sales and price range for cut stems by buyer; and 5. Percent sales by buyers (florist, wholesale brokers, etc.). Surveys were sent to growers statewide in mid July, and results were compiled and tabulated after the final harvest in October.
Roots Planted Planting for commercial production began in 2004 with small test plots in Fairbanks, Kenai, and Homer (Figure 1). By 2012, more than 120,000 roots were planted by the 38 survey respondents. Individual fields ranged from 18 plants to nearly 14,000 plants. The number of roots in the ground more than tripled since 2011. Based on an industry estimate for average yield of 10 stems per plant (varies with location, cultivar, weather), projected statewide harvest by 2015 is 1,200,000 fresh cut peony stems.
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