Experts at University of Alaska Fairbanks conference say peony could be state's next cash crop

FAIRBANKS, Alaska - Agricultural experts in Alaska say the state might be ready to make its mark on the world peony market.

Experts at a University of Alaska Fairbanks conference say that international demand and the unique northern growing season could make the showy flower Alaska's next cash crop.

UAF hosted dozens of growers, researchers and marketers during the four-day conference last week examining the promise of peonies.

There are 41 peony producers in Alaska, with more adding to that number each year.

Peonies in Alaska bloom from late June to September. That's when the flowers are dormant in the rest of the world.

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Information from: Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, http://www.newsminer.com