An innovative food production technique is the focus of a new Extension program being offered in Okaloosa and Walton counties.
I, the Sea Grant Marine Science extension agent for Okaloosa and Walton counties, will conduct a series of workshops on aquaponics.
"Aquaponics in the Panhandle" is an ongoing program designed to provide information and training to aquaponics and aquaculture enthusiasts through workshops, webinars and field trips.
The program is targeted toward hobby-level, backyard or small farm growers.
The series of workshops will offer in-depth training covering different aquaponics methods, aquaponics food production, business aspects and marketing strategies, how to handle and maintain your fish and plants, and much more.
The first meeting was Nov. 20 at the Walton County Extension Office in DeFuniak Springs.
The second meeting is Dec. 16 at the Okaloosa County Extension Office, 3098 Airport Road, in Crestview. Registration is $10 per person. Call 689-5850 to RSVP by Dec. 14.
Contact me at lgtiu@ufl.edu or 612-6197 for questions or comments.
Aquaponics is a sustainable food production technique that combines aquaculture with hydroponics to grow fish and vegetables without soil.
The process begins with fish producing waste, which is pumped through a bio-filter to convert into fertilizer for plants.
Plants use nutrients from that water, and the freshly oxygenated water is returned to the fish tank.
By re-circulating the water from the fish tank to the grow bed, the need for water is greatly reduced compared to traditional irrigation.
Interest in aquaponics in Florida remains high as growers look for efficient, green ways of production.
AQUAPONICS 101
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: TIU: 'Aquaponics in the Panhandle' meeting scheduled in Crestview