Conventional agriculture has shown its incapacity to respond to the growing food demand while lowering its environmental impact.  Therefore aquaponics has imposed itself as an attractive solution for the future of agriculture.

Environmentally

• Minimal water usage

Commercial aquaponics uses 70 to 90% less water than conventional forms of agriculture. Water flow management and fish effluent mineralization optimizes resources and grants better quality control of water. 

• Reduction of chemical fertilizers 

The mineralization of fish effluents valorizes nearly all of the fish excreta into nutrients that are essential for the growth of plants. This considerably reduces the use of chemical fertilizers in plant production. 

• The protection of our lakes and rivers  

Thanks to the biofiltration and the mineralization of fish effluents, commercial aquaponics systems optimizes the use of resources such as water, and considerably reduces rejections of phosphorous and harmful elements in our lakes and rivers.

• Soil conservation 

In a commercial aquaponics farm, fertile soils are not necessary to ensure the production of plants. In comparison to traditional agriculture less space is required. This helps to preserve the condition of the soil and the environment.

Socially 

• Short food supply chains  

Commercial aquaponics systems may be installed in various locations: in rural towns or in cities. This proximity reduces the traveling distance of food to consumer as well as ensuring the production of fresh, healthy, and local produce.

• Varied and healthy products 

More than a hundred fruits, vegetables, fine herbs, and a variety of freshwater species can be produced within the commercial aquaponics system. Due to the production method that allows for consi9derable reduction of chemical fertilizers, commercial aquaponics crops are nutritious, healthy, and flavorful.

• A tool for sensitization and development 

Aquaponics farms can be the answer to the socio-economic and environmental needs of a community such as job access, local, healthy and affordable food.

 Economically

• Diversification 

Commercial aquaponics farms offer the possibility to include modular sections such as an indoor horticultural production, a greenhouse, an aquaculture production, or a sales area. The addition of a new offer allows producers to diversify their offers.

• Food production growth

Vegetables cultivated in an aquaponics system have a better yield per acre than those produced using industrialized methods. Thus, aquaponics increases production, minimizes water loss, and reduces waste. 

• A Quebec aquaculture production 

Aquaponics is a great option for fish production. In Quebec, fish farming does not match the high demand of its citizens and can only  satisfy 8% of the fish demand, making importation essential to meet consumer’s the needs.

To learn more about the technology used by ÉAU click on the page Technology at ÉAU