Course Project Part

While the initial investment in materials and equipment is steep, the output of this system rapidly accelerates to full potential and sots very little to maintain on an annual basis. The versatility of this system allows for the simultaneous production of a variety of sought after vegetables at reasonable cost and can reproduced In nearly any area of the united States. Project Description This project Is designed to develop a reproducible and self-sustaining aquaplanes system based on $100,000 Initial investor Input.

A functioning model will be created to prove the viability of a self contained and symbiotic relationship that combines hydroponics vegetable production with aquaculture production. Hydroponics is the arming of vegetables using only water and loose fill media instead of soil. Aquaculture is the farming of fish in a controlled and sustainable environment. Putting these two systems together provides a source of nutrient rich water for growing plants and a natural filtration system, rich with oxygen, for growing fish.

The combined system will be operated and monitored over a five year period to determine the total cost of production for a variety of leafy green vegetables as well as the price per pound of fish created over the same time period. The greatest price actor of getting food to local markets Is the fuel cost from the production location, through one or more levels of storage and packaging and lastly the trip to each point of sale. The system we propose to build would remove the fuel and transportation costs of a variety of vegetables that could easily be grown local to the market in which they are ultimately sold.

Each certified organic occupations production facility could support the growth of several varieties of vegetables on a year round basis. This would allow local markets and restaurants the opportunity to provide locally grown organic produce and fish at reduced prices. Creating a system that is both self- sustaining and profitable is the key in the development of a solution that can be marketed. After the initial startup of a location, minimal financial input must be maintained while keeping the operational costs as low as possible to create a viable business model.