Webinar: Vertical organic aquaponics system for food, education, and community benefits

This workshop is a practical introduction to Vertical Organic Aquaponic System for home and community-oriented growers. They will relay the principles, challenges and opportunities of co-culturing fish and plants in urban settings. Principles discussed will include choice of inputs and practices for organic compliance. Possible solutions to challenges will also be discussed ranging from water quality to plant health and economic feasibility. Finally, we will present on the opportunities of aquaponics in various settings and scales (e.g., large off-grid farms, small in-home and multi-residential building systems) as well as different uses. Uses go beyond food production and include (1) providing education centred on sustainable urban agriculture, ecology and organic food, and (2) attendant health benefits of bringing natural elements into buildings. Workshop participants will come away with enhanced understanding of how aquaponics can be done effectively and organically.

Phil Fung: Phil, P.Eng., is the President and Founder of HiGarden who helps run an indoor, community-centre farm in Markham, as well as an off-grid container farm (with aquaponics) for City of Brampton.

Dr. Matt Hammond: Matt is an ecologist and urban agriculture specialist who helps run an indoor, community-center farm in Markham, as well as an off-grid container farm (with aquaponics) for the City of Brampton.