Aquaponics: The Answer to Sustainable Farming

The practice of Aquaponic farming is not a new technology, it dates back to the Aztecs, but recently it has has been re-discovered. Aquaponic farming combines the techniques of Aquaculture (fish farming) and Hydroponics (plants grown in water) to create the most sustainable food production system on earth. The system works by using a type of fresh water fish (usually Tilapia or Trout) that multiply in a water tank, then plants are grown on the water’s surface. The relationship works perfectly between the fish and the plants. The fish produce waste in the water, and through natural bacterial processes, fertilize the plants, which in turn clean the water for the fish. The process is completely organic and sustainable for both parties. And the best part is that this system can be used on a small scale in your backyard, or for commercial production on large farms.

Future Farm Food and Fuel (FFF&F) in Baldwin Wisconsin, a sister company of Baldwin Dairy, is revolutionizing the farming industry. They are, as their name suggests, ahead of their time, yet are utilizing technology that was developed thousands of years ago.  The 100 year old family owned farm’s motto is ‘green and growing’ and that is exactly what they mean. The farm is building a 27,000 sq ft. Aquaponic system (which will be the largest in North America) for growing Tilapia and lettuce along with various herbs. The greenhouse will produce 500,000 heads of lettuce and 30,000 pounds of Tilapia, both crops being organic and carbon neutral.

But what also makes this farm revolutionary is its integrated use of the farm’s 1,100 dairy cows. FFF&F recently installed a manure processing system that manages the methane created by the cows. That methane is used as fuel to heat the greenhouse and future Aquaponic fish tanks. The farm also has a new 600 gallon algae tank for producing biofuel to fuel the farm’s machinery.

By using the most sustainable farming techniques known, with some modern renewable technology, Future Farm Food and Fuel is raising the bar for farming. While reducing their carbon footprint and creating food and fuel for future generations.

Future Farm Food and Fuel, LLC uses the waste streams of farms and other operations in order to create food, fuel, revenue, and to reduce our impact on the environment.

• Organization Type: Profit
• Website: afuturefarm.com
• Founded: 2007
• Location:Baldwin, WI