Y-Green's Feature Friday: Aquaponics UK - Sustainable Food Production

Aquaponics UK is a not for profit social enterprise that provides support for the development of Aquaponics. 

What is Aquaponics? Aquaponics integrates the best qualities of Aquaculture and Hydroponics to grow healthy organic food in a local, sustainable manner.

 

The fish and plants are grown in symbiotic unison to achieve a balanced, closed loop system of agriculture, where the system feeds and waters itself. Waste from the fish provide nutrients for the plants, and the plants filter the water for the fish. Crops are constantly harvested and plant trimmings are composted in a wormery to provide food for the fish. The system is then surrounded with a greenhouse, where lady bugs and other beneficial insects are added to create a sustainable Aquaponics Cycle.

In this TED Talks presentation, Charlie Price from Aquaponics UK, explains the role aquaponics can play in the future of our collective food supply. He also provides insightful information about the applications for aquaponics. But more specifically, he acknowledges aquaponics as a new approach to creating sustainable urban agriculture within any community.

My conclusion, is that aquaponics will empower thousands of people worldwide to become more self-sufficient, and grow their own food for their household, and community. I also agree with Mr. Prince that aquaponics has the potential to create more resilient communities. 

Aquaponics can be utilized as a great educational tool for schools to teach their students about sustainable food production.

Aquaponics UK, proves that we can turn waste into resources, by transforming misused urban spaces into a commercially viable, sustainable way to produce healthy, nutritious food. The examples Mr. Price shows in his presentation also proves; that by growing food with a sustainable Aquaponics system. We can protect the environment, conserve valuable resources and grow healthy abundant food locally, 365 days a year.

The future looks bright for Aquaponics UK, and I'm convinced that aquaponics is a very timely and much needed sustainable method of farming that will help End World Hunger.

"Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day. Teach a man how to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime."   

- Chinese Proverb

For more information about Aquaponics UK, be sure to visit their website and learn how you can implement Aquaponics in your own community. 


( Images provided by Aquaponics UK )