Today’s consumers increasingly choose healthy, fresh and local food. Companies are responding to that by setting up systems for food production in and around cities. Aquaponics is a next-generation way of metropolitan farming and the latest attempt at making agriculture commercially viable in densely populated areas. Thomas Zöllner, expert on metropolitan agriculture, introduces us to this innovative way of enterprising.
The product makes the business case. A lot of fish is imported, so there are opportunities in supplying an attractive and locally produced protein product. From the plant side it is a bit harder to differ. In order to make up for a higher price, you need products with added value such as a unique flavor or quality, or products with a story to tell. Getting the food pairing right is crucial for success. I think potatoes have a huge potential within aquaponics. They are undervalued and not been conceived to be innovated with.’
HZPC & aquaponics
When people look for something new in fresh food, HZPC innovative spirit attracts their attention. This is also true for aquaponics. There is interest to experiment with mini tuber Perupas within the new cultivation method. This would produce colourful little potatoes that can be picked of a plant like strawberries.