Aquaponics: a new method for sustainable production

Key players in the area of aquaponics met on Thursday the 21st of November 2019 in Brussels to participate in a workshop called "Capitalizing on aquaponics: associating aquaculture and vegetal production", organised within the framework of a programme launched by the Hauts-de-France region and named Crossroads of Research and Innovation.  

This enthusiastic encounter presented aquaponics as a VERY promising production technique.With all the presentations, exchanges within the hall, experience feedback and visits, the participants enjoyed a complete workshop dedicated to this theme. In fact, the day started with an introduction to the fundamental principles of  aquaponics (ITAVI), followed by the presentation of the project SMART AQUAPONICS, whose target is to develop digital tools for the purposes of aquaponics systems, then the presentation of project financing and consumer views. Next, the leaders of projects and the directors of Agriloops, of La Ferme Intégrale and the Echo Village shared their own experiences (methodology, financing, production, budget…) at a round table that was rich in exchanges with the public. In a friendly atmosphere, they responded to all the questions asked within the hall. The exchanges continued on from there over valorisation of aquaponics among consumers via information labels, quality labels or certification.

In the afternoon, Steven BECKERS gave a presentation on the  ferme urbaine aquaponique BIGH (aquaponics farm), of which he is the founder. It was with great interest that the participants found out more about (and tasted!) aromatic herbs, tomatoes and striped bass produced in a closed circuit!

Thanks go to the contributors Aurélien TOCQUEVILLE, Pierre RAULIER, Doriane STAGNOL, Jérémie COGNARD, Gabriel FAYSSE, Guillaume DEKONINCK and Steven BECKERS, as well as all the participants for the success we had on this wonderful workday.

For further information, please do not hesitate to contact Doriane Stagnol!