AQUAPONICS 101: A BEGINNER’S WORKSHOP TO SUSTAINABLE FOOD PRODUCTION FOR HOME GARDENERS AND SMALL FARMERS
Extension Education
Blake Thaxton
Commercial Horticulture Agent
UF/IFAS
Milton
Abstract
There is great interest in sustainable food production in today’s society. Aquaponics is an exciting production system where fish and plants grow in harmony. The aquaponic system can be a fun project for the home gardener but can also become a new farming venture. The event will attract a minimum of 30 interested participants. Seventy-five percent of participants will gain knowledge on topics of basic aquaponics, plants in aquaponics, fish in aquaponics, Florida rules and regulations, and constructing a small aquaponics system. Five systems will be built, participants will have an opportunity to purchase 4 systems, and win one in a raffle. The full-day workshop began with presentations on aquaponics topics including fish, plants, systems, and rules and regulations. The hands-on afternoon session allowed participants to build a small aquaponics system and included a field trip to a small commercial aquaponics farm. A total of 40 people attended the event, 30 filled out an end of program post-pre test evaluation. Evaluations indicated 86% gained knowledge on the basics of aquaponics, 86% gained knowledge of plants in aquaponics, 90% gained knowledge of fish in aquaponics, 93% gained knowledge on Florida rules and regulations, and 86% gained knowledge on construction of an aquaponics system. Eighty-six percent of participants indicated that they have plans to start an aquaponics system or expand a current system. A follow-up survey will be conducted in six months to determine additional results of the workshop. Multi-state
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Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC
This poster is being submitted for judging. It will be displayed at the AM/PIC if not selected as a State winner. The abstract will be published in the proceedings.
A poster file has not been provided
Authors: B. Thaxton
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Thaxton, B. Commercial Horticulture Agent, UF/IFAS, Florida, 32570