Jun 21, 2016
Aquaponics Operation Breaks Ground in South Dakota By Jasmina Dolce

Global Aquaponics Inc., headquartered in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, recently broke ground on its first advanced aquaponics food production system earlier this month.

The company calls its project “the biggest and most advanced aquaponics system in the world.”

The groundbreaking occurred June 7 at 21542 Medary Ave. S. The facility is being built on 8 acres and will feature a closed-loop production system that combines aquaculture with hydroponics. At full production, the 40-tank system aims to eventually employ about 45 people and produce 2.5 million pounds of food a year.

“The company’s objective is to provide a sustainable supply of food, water and energy for farmers, communities, governments and investors in localities around the world,” said Tobias Ritesman, chairman and majority owner.

“The global potential of our systems is enormous,” he adds. “The world’s growing population demands that agriculture greatly increase its capacity to produce food. We can do that. We can turn barren patches of land, even parking lots, into highly productive farms. This is the future of agriculture.”

Go to www.globalaquaponicsinc.com to learn more.

— Jasmina

FarmedHere Expands Production

FarmedHere, a producer of microgreens and fresh basil near Chicago, has moved from being an aquaculture-based operation to hydroponic, thanks to developing and fast-changing technology. The company’s product list will now include two types of micro-beets, as well as micro versions of cilantro, radishes, kale, broccoli, pea tendrils, sweet corn shoots and sunflower shoots. At first, the microgreens were only sold at local Whole Foods locations, but now the firm will be able to serve Mariano’s stores and Testa Produce in Chicago. FarmedHere has abundant space to expand and is looking at the next generation for growing.

Vertical Harvest Hydroponics Containerized Growing System

Alaska-based Vertical Harvest Hydroponics recently commissioned its very first Generation IV Containerized Growing System, marking a new chapter of scalable farming practices in harsh climates. The containerized growing system is a hydroponic fresh vegetable production system housed inside a customized 40-foot insulated shipping container. It measures 320 square feet, but can supply more than 23,000 pieces of produce annually.

Tanimura & Antle Launches Hydroponic Lettuce Program

A leadering in the hydroponic category for nearly a decade, Tanimura & Antle recently expanded its East Coast operation to a state-of-the-art clear glass greenhouse, bringing the total growing area to nearly 16.5 acres. In addition to the expansion, T&A announces a new West Coast hydroponic farm that will allow for national distribution of hydroponic Boston lettuce from the company. Hydroponic lettuce will be available year-round from Salinas, California, and Yuma, Arizona.


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Jasmina Dolce

Jasmina Dolce is managing editor of GPN magazine. She can be reached at jdolce@greatamericanpublish.com.



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