Aquaponic farming saves water, but can it feed the country?

Ken Armstrong operates Ouroboros Farms using aquaponics, a system where fish provide nutrients for plants, which in turn clean the water. This method offers faster plant growth and significant water savings, crucial in drought-prone California. However, aquaponics faces economic challenges, especially for staple crops, due to high initial costs. Despite these challenges, Armstrong believes in its potential, delivering produce to upscale restaurants and advocating for urban aquaponics. The technique remains niche but offers a sustainable alternative to traditional farming.

What is the primary role of fish in the aquaponics system at Ouroboros Farms?

• To provide oxygen for the plants

• To act as a pest control

• To supply nutrients for plant growth

• To maintain water temperature

How much faster do plants grow in aquaponics compared to traditional soil farming?

• Half as fast

• Twice as fast

• At the same rate

• A third faster

What is a significant advantage of aquaponics in terms of water usage?

• It uses 90% less water than traditional farming

• It requires no water at all

• It uses 50% less water than traditional farming

• It uses the same amount of water as traditional farming

Why is aquaponics not economically viable for growing staple foods like wheat and corn?

• The system cannot support large plants

• The infrastructure costs are too high

• The fish do not provide enough nutrients

• The plants do not grow well in water

What is a major challenge in scaling up aquaponics systems?

• Lack of interest from consumers

• Maintaining water quality

• Increasing labor and operational costs

• Finding enough fish

Who are the primary customers for the produce from Ouroboros Farms?

• Farmers' markets

• High-end restaurants

• School cafeterias

• Local grocery stores

What potential does Armstrong see for aquaponics in urban areas?

• It can transform underutilized spaces into productive farms

• It can only be used in rural areas

• It is not suitable for urban environments

• It requires large open fields