University of Kentucky to Host Aquaculture Program
For those of you interested in learning more about aquaponic production, the Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service will host an aquaculture program on March 25, at Kentucky State University’s Aquaculture Research Center in Frankfort.
Indoor aquaculture programs, as you know, are increasingly growing in popularity, especially in urban areas. More and more consumers are becoming concerned with food sources and interested in locally grown produce. One of the benefits of indoor aquaculture production is it brings the products closer to the consumer. Plus, it requires less space and water to operate than outdoor pond aquaculture.
The day-long event begins at 9 a.m. EDT. Kentucky State University aquaculture specialists will provide an overview of indoor aquaculture production systems as they relate to the production of shrimp and tilapia and aquaponics. Discussions will include permitting, nutrition, crop selection and water quality.
Kentucky State University’s Aquaculture Research Center is located at 103 Athletic Dr. in Frankfort. Participants may also choose to attend the Indoor Aquaculture Program Reception the day before the program. It will take place from 6 to 9 p.m. on March 24 at Completely Kentucky, located at 237 W. Broadway St. in Frankfort.
The events are free, and lunch will be provided for the March 25 program. To register for either the program, the reception or both, contact Karla Johnson at 502.597.8106 or karla.johnson@kysu.edu.
For more information, go to www.ksuaquaculture.org.
ICCEA 2017 to Take Place May 17-19
The International Congress on Controlled Environment Agriculture will take place May 17-19, 2017, at the Hotel El Panama and Convention Center in Panamá City, Panamá. The event’s theme this year is: Using Science and the Market to Build a Successful Controlled Environment Agriculture Business. Some of the topics will include: Growing Crops (strawberries, leafy greens, microgreens), the biggest costs facing farms (labor, climate and illumination), issues creating the most confusion (water, nutrients, pest management and air flow), and economic models (how to financially manage your operation). This is a great opportunity to meet and network with like-minded professionals and industry experts from around the world.
New York Hydroponic Farm Launches Growing Operation
On Feb. 23, The Bowery, a New York hydroponic indoor farm, launched its growing operation, which grows leafy greens for the New York tri-state area. The company uses no pesticides and 95 percent less water than traditional agriculture, according to Irving Fain, co-founder and CEO. The company sells basil, baby kale, a romaine blend, butterhead lettuce, arugula and kale mix. The greens are available at two New Jersey Whole Foods and a New York City Foragers Market, and are used at two New York restaurants. The Bowery markets itself as “post organic,” which Fain explains is the next step for sustainable food. “It’s producing the purest produce possible in a very efficient way that uses less resources at the time.”
VSU Launches Urban Farming Program
This month, Virginia State University will launch its first-ever Urban Agriculture Certification program for aspiring urban farmers, educators and entrepreneurs. The 10-week course will focus on rooftop gardens, plant diseases and pests, soil sustainability, and both hydroponic and aquaponic greenhouse production. “The main idea is to produce food for domestic production, but with the possibility of making this a business,” said Leonard Githinji, Virginia State University professor and extension specialist for sustainable urban agriculture.
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