Aquaponics is viewed today as one of the most promising clean, chemical free, food production system. Often considered suitable for urban farming it is considered as a very serious option to feed our large cities in the future.
Every month new projects appear in the news promoting aquaponics and vertical farming but unfortunately very few remains operational in the long term. Locally grown fresh product with low carbon foot print are certainly very appealing but is it actually attracting customers ?
After 40 years in aquaculture development and teaching, and 4 years of aquaponics research at UAEU. followed by 3 years of implementing his own urban aquaponics project, the author has developed a totally different reality of a life of an aquaponics entrepreneur
Following production data in research set up, which indeed looked very promising, such as about one pound of salads per square meter per day and similar result for tomatoes, actual field production came very out different.
The first issues that will be presented are design and construction mistakes that have burdened both research and production.
When applying the experience acquired during 4 years of research, things start to be more uncertain. When planning to develop aquaponics project in developed countries, sourcing is very easy and turned key operation can be envisioned without too much unforeseen technical issues.
However, when setting up a new project in a developing country such as Lao PDR where Green & Blue, a Post Organic aquaponic farm is operating, the technical issues are numerous forcing to improvise original and innovative solutions.
Sourcing associated to unbelievable difficulty to importing any product has been the most important limiting factor. As a sole proprietor, health issues have also created major restriction on the timing of the implementation, increasing development cost.
The lack of qualified labor and complete absence of aquaponics staff is still a major burden for attending the construction of the facilities as well the fish and vegetable production.
This Presentation will therefore offer an insight of the life of an aquaponics developer, with Technical and Economical information regarding the implementation of a 1000m2 aquaponics urban farm.
The dream of a life time that may sometime looks like a nightmare after a tropical thunderstorm.