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10.2 Marketing
The most difficult aspect of any aquaponics operation is developing a realistic and practical marketing scheme (Engle 2015). Location is key for marketing because location determines what is in demand and the size of the market. Having close access to multiple cities significantly increases the market size as well as market demographics and in turn increases demand for product. If the location is within a remote area such as an island, then the market price for the product will be much higher compared to a location in an easily accessible area (Engle 2015).
· Kentucky State University10.1 Economic
There is relatively little information available on the economics of aquaponics, likely due to a lack of successful commercial production before 2014. Based on information summarized in Engle (2015) and Heidemann and Woods (2015), aquaponics profitability is achievable depending on geographic location, climate, initial investment, production cost, market demand, and consumer preference for goods. Production in USDA Zones 7-13 are typically most profitable in the U.S. due to reduced risk of losses associated with cold weather, power outages, and utility costs (Love et al.
· Kentucky State University1.4 System Types
There are two main types of AP systems, coupled and decoupled. The coupled approach is widely used and is based on feeding the system known nutrient-input amounts/values. The support for plant growth and bacterial consumption (in the biofilter) typically come from commercial fish food and must be factored into system input requirements. These ratios are used to ensure that toxic waste products from fish effluent do not build up (due to an insufficient biofilter), excess nitrates do not occur (from not enough plants), and nitrate deficiencies do not develop (from an excess of plants).
· Kentucky State University1.3 Importance
Hydroponics and intensive RAS each have ecological and economical drawbacks when considered individually. Hydroponic crops rely on chemical fertilizers that are expensive, hard to source, and in some cases are derived from rapidly disappearing natural resources. In intensive fish production, concentrated wastes are generated (i.e. effluent) that require expensive treatment methods, leading to poor consumer perception regarding environmental impacts. The high initial investment may be prohibitive to potential producers, as well.
· Kentucky State University1.2 Context
Development of aquaponic systems resulted from the need to reduce costs associated with high-nutrient effluent discharged from recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS). Known for intensive aquaculture, RAS can produce large quantities of fish in a small volume of water. Some water is discharged and replaced in the system over time, as solid waste and toxic nitrogen by-products (ammonia (NH~3~-N), nitrite (NO~2~-N), and nitrate (NO~3~-N)) build up. Concentrated discharge from intensive aquaculture is a barrier to positive consumer perception of aquaculture.
· Kentucky State University1.1 Definition
Aquaponics (AP) is a self-supporting food production system that combines recirculating aquaculture with plant culture in the absence of soil (hydroponics). High-volume fish production results in nutrient- rich water that can be used to provide nutrients for plant cultivation. Source: Janelle Hager, Leigh Ann Bright, Josh Dusci, James Tidwell. 2021. Kentucky State University. Aquaponics Production Manual: A Practical Handbook for Growers.
· Kentucky State University2021 Indoor Ag Tech Landscape
FarmHub is thrilled to be listed on the Indoor AgTech Landscape for 2021! Michael Rose and Chris Taylor of The Mixing Bowl and Better Food Venturesprovide a snapshot of agriculture technology impacting food security and impact in Controlled Agriculture Environments (CEA). You can read all about the landscape in agtech on AgFunder: https://buff.ly/311haDb.
· Jonathan ReyesAnnouncing new video series ‘People of Aquaponics’ connecting with the movers and shakers of the Aquaponic and Aquaculture industry.
We are a social-impact aquaponic technology company powering the heroes of next-gen aquaponic food production. Our recently released video series, People of Aquaponics, aims to validate the rapidly growing aquaponic community by connecting with awesome people, doing amazing things globally with aquaponics and aquaculture. “I’m personally inspired by the aquaponic community. You are a unique group of people with an underlying vibe for social impact and caring for people and the planet.
· Jonathan ReyesReleasing Sparky into the Wild Data World!
You are all familiar with JD and Tawnya Sawyer at the Aquaponic Source. They just released their online trainings and have began moving their years of experience to the cloud. They also have tons of ready-made systems for residential and school settings that can be powered by FarmHub. In addition to their courses being available online, FarmHub and The Aquaponic Source have teamed up to deliver a powerful all-in-one solution for tracking your data.
· Jonathan Reyes2020 Recap: The impossibilities becoming possible
FarmHub, a social-impact aquaponic technology company has a cloud based data management and visualization solution for the Aquaponic grower. Designed to improve the way aquaponics growers grow, FarmHub provides an efficient, time saving, user friendly software for the rapidly increasing number of aquaponics growers worldwide. “We have promised to provide data-driven solutions to our growers’ pain points and are continually innovating our software in exchange for their membership and contribution to doing awesome things with Aquaponics for people and the planet,” said Daniel Robards, cofounder and CBDO.
· Jonathan Reyes