Welcome!
Its great to see the bug has bitten you. AP is indeed an enthralling concept and hobby.
I think anyone trying to compete with current farming practices as far as the commercial side goes, no matter the methodology, is going to have a hard time of it. Heck, even large scale farmers using soil, GMOs etc etc dont make that much especially when their products are sold in large chains so turning a profit with hydro or AP will certainly be harder esp with initial capital and knowledge required.
However, the globe is.... Or rather has been, at a cross roads for sometime. We all know we cannot keep imposing and increasing our footprint on the planet, the ONLY ONE WE KNOW OF that protects and sustains life), without consequence. The humans are destroying large parts of the food chain and the ecosystems they rely on to survive. If we have any chance of reversing the damage (largely impossible but we must try) them we need to change.
This is where AP is a natural choice for an efficient and sustainable way forward. Very little water use, no waste, vegies as well as fish to eat and so forth. I think it's probably obvious to say that water availability and quality is already questionable in many places around the world and the way we are going it will only get worse. This might well be the tipping point where all of a sudden, AP gardening will be commercially viable. (edit--I am not suggesting AP.is not profitable, like anything, through blood sweat and tears we can accomplish just about anything, I guess all I'm saying is in MY own humble opinion is that with time, it seems it can only become more profitable as water becomes more of an issue)
Until then, I would setup any kind of system you can, the larger the better (changes in water chemistry are slower the bigger the system) and learn as much as you can along the way. Even if you are only feeding your family, AP is still just as enthralling and having your very first fish dinner, complete with the vegies they grew, is quite rewarding.
Just my thoughts since you asked
On the whole certified organic tag, I don't know 100% but thought I read a gotchya on gaining certification in the States if you use the Canna clay/hydroton..... I could be wrong as I live in Australia. I believe you can gain certification if using other media types or AP methodologies but I didn't retain all the info sorry... Best look it up if you haven't though as it may change your system design.
Anyway, I'm fairly new here too and have found some great advice and people on here... I have lost count of the hours reading and inspiring systems so enjoy and look forward to your progress updates!
Backyard Aquaponics
