Aquaponics Business Keeps On Growing

Aquaponics Business Keeps On Growing FARM HOME Food A Wisconsin aquaponics company featured in the 2013 Best of FARM SHOW has really been on the move the past 4 years Owners Rebecca Nelson and John Pade told us that as interest in aquaponics has increased worldwide the company has grown to meet the demand with information training and complete systems “Aquaponics is a sustainable method of food production that provides fish and vegetables in one integrated soil-less system while preserving resources and saving water ” says Nelson The Nelson and Pade systems which are designed for small family set-ups to large commercial installations produce fish and food with virtually no waste Fish are raised in single or multiple tanks Water is filtered and processed to break down the nutrients which are then used to water the plants The plants further clean the water before it’s returned to the fish tanks Pade says running their systems requires less time to feed the fish and harvest the food than it does to prepare and enjoy a fresh vegetable and fish dinner A small system can provide abundant vegetables and a weekly fish dinner for a family of four with a return on investment in 3 to 4 years Nelson says most of their commercial installations grow leafy greens like lettuce Swiss chard and kale However the one at Nelson and Pade’s farm has produced many common fruits and vegetables along with bananas and papayas The company does self-funded research and development They have also partnered with the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point UWSP to provide new education and research opportunities The partnership led to a certificate program in aquaponics at the school that may soon become an aquaponics degree program In the past 4 years the business has added employees now up to 25 shipped systems to 27 countries and hosted people in workshops from 103 countries while expanding their social and education networks Their most popular course is a 3-day hands-on Aquaponics Master Class where every aspect of running the system from science to economics is covered Contact: FARM SHOW Followup Nelson and Pade Inc P O Box 761 Montello Wis 53949 ph 608 297-8708; www aquaponics com

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