Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

The website doesnt have any info on large scale commercial systems. Anybody know of any cool commercial systems?

I don't think there are any large successful commercial setups.

There has been a number of failed startups.

If there are successful ones that appear to be keeping them a secret and not posting any information about them.

There has been plenty if discussion on here about 'commercial setups'.

Yep a number of failed startups.... quiet a few hobby farms running training workshops...

And a lot of good ideas, with potential...

Perhaps they are unable to post pictures of their "produce."

I guess they don't want to give away any secrets Ron.

Either that or they are so busy working their farm, that they don't have time to post it on a forum...

Much like Ryan in the US.

Ryan still finds time to keep us inspired! He still plays his cards close to his chest, as he should. The key in business is to do things smarter than other people, and if he shared all of his secrets his advantage would be gone. I will say, if there is any active member that could be successful with a large commercial system, it is Ryan.

I'm sure Ryan is/will have some successes... but I don't think Ryan's current installation could be called either "large" or "commercial"...

He's still in the process of building... and he no longer has involvement with the other installations that he had through his (then) work....

I disagree John. What is 'large'?... what is 'commercial'?

To simplify, the word commercial is to engage in commerce. The definition of commerce is to buy or sell on a large scale. So what is large scale? Weve been through this crap before. Who knows?

I think if Ryan (or anyone) is involved/runs an AP system that is big enough to produce a constant food/protein source that can be sold constantly and consistently... well, surely thats commercial.

Besides... who are you to decide what is and isnt commercial?

Groan.... Ok... let's all start a definition of "commercial aquaponics" thread....

I'm not having a go at Ryan... look at his website and Facebook page....

Ok.. yes he was selling a few lettuce and things.... from installations that he was managing or working at...

But he is no longer working at Aquatic Eco-Systems... not sure whether or not he's still managing Green Sky....

And is currently building his greenhouse.. and systems... he's not really operational... certainly not fully


But how "big" is "big".... and yep, who decides...


The thread was about "large commercial" aquaponic systems.....

My Dad sells a couple of lemons off his tree to his neighbours... is he a "commercial" lemon grower...

By the way... here's the "Wiki" definition of "commercial agriculture"... or commercial farming....

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Commercial_agriculture

Why is it that we seem to have such difficulty defining "commercial aquaponics"...

Interesting that in that article the United Fruit Company is mentioned, of all possible others! The well informed know what kind of company that is.......

Further, I think that definition is a bit beyond the scope of what here is discussed. Unless, there are really big dreams being dreamt.

I think that in the context of commercial aquaponics you could think about an operation that is professionally run with the intention to make a profit, large enough to provide the involved investors and workers with a decent salary and return on investment. The size of the operation is of lesser importance. After all there are small coffee shops and there is Starbug (intended). Both are commercial operations.

I'm OK with that definition Domani, sounds more reasonable than expecting world distribution of your products like on the wiki page. I guess the debate is whether commercial aquaponics has to be at the multi-million dollar scale to be profitable which I think is Rupe's assertion from what I remember.