Aquaponics - A Greenhouse for Innovative Food Production
Peckas invested in a state-of-the-art 4,000 m² greenhouse, supported by the Swedish Rural Development Programme (RDP) and various funding sources. The system efficiently circulates nutrient-rich water from fish farming to tomato plants, which absorb the nutrients, before returning clean water to the fish tanks. This closed-loop approach eliminates waste, reduces water usage, and ensures that all nutrients are fully utilized, making the process both resource-efficient and eco-conscious.
The project’s key objectives included producing sustainable food close to consumers, demonstrating aquaponics on a large scale, and raising awareness of its potential through seminars and workshops. The company aimed to produce 20 tonnes of fish and 200 tonnes of tomatoes annually. By focusing on localized production, Peckas also reduced the environmental costs associated with long-distance transportation, delivering tomatoes within a 200-kilometer radius of the farm.
The initiative faced challenges typical of introducing untested technologies, such as gaining financial support and proving the system's viability. Despite these hurdles, the results have been promising. The greenhouse began operations in late 2017, and by January 2018, the first batch of tomatoes was sold to local grocery stores. Grönsakshuset, a regional distributor, booked the entire 2018 production, reflecting strong market acceptance.
This project demonstrates how aquaponics can provide a scalable and efficient solution for producing climate-smart, high-quality food with zero emissions. It also underscores the importance of seeking guidance from others with similar experiences when implementing innovative agricultural methods. Peckas Naturodlingar has set a benchmark for sustainable farming and envisions aquaponics as a key system for future food production.
