Commercial systems

[Sylvia Bernstein]

Are you interested in growing commercially?  Do you already grow commercially?  This is the place for exchanging ideas and experiences, and making new contacts in commercial aquaponic agriculture

 

You might also consider joining the Commercial Aquaponics discussion group for lots more information and discussion

[Daniel E Murphy]

My family is starting a new business. I was hoping someone could help me with pointers on putting together an aquaponic farm business plan. We need grants and loans to get started. Our dream is to bring organic quality fish and vegetables to our local market in South-East Georgia and North-East Florida. Do we have anyone who has already done this in their region and wouldn't mind helping a newbie get started?

Also, I want to build partnerships with other farms\distributors\brokers\vendors to provide a variety of vegetables to a shared customer base. My background in software engineering should allow me to build a online platform for this new association which will form. All of this is in its infancy and any guidance would be welcome and appreciated. Would you be interested in partnering potentially?

Finally, as a side project, I want to build a non-profit company to bring these technologies, procedures, supplies to 3rd world countries in order to establish aquaponic farms in regions where nutritious food is scarce. Once the farm and business association is successful and flourishing I would like to spend more time here. This project would be open to any who would like to participate.

A little background about me: I am software engineer\architech by trade with 20 years experience in my industry. I have worked at places such as Microsoft, US Customs Service, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. I have had contracts at these places: "Freedman, Billings and Ramsey (FBR)", Verizon, Unisource, Acosta, Lender Processing Service. In my professional experience I have had the responsibility to lead many successful mission critical, cutting edge information technology projects. This combined with my DIY aquaponics in and of itself does not make me a commercial aquaponic guru. I need help and am hoping to build relationships with some folks that like what I am doing and want to be a part of it, whether its just to school a newbie or become a future partner of some sort.

Thanks in advance to your replies.

Daniel E. Murphy
[e-mail]

[Chris Smith]

I have posted my business plan under my group Coastview Aquaponics. I hope this gives you a good starting point.
Daniel E Murphy said:

I need one too Troy. Did you find one?


Troy Workman said:

So, I'm starting to write a business plan, but I'm having difficulty finding a good template. Anybody got a good one they can share? I'm in Texas, so I won't be competition for you if you're elsewhere. :-)

[Chris Smith]

My best advice to you for starting a commercial farm is to start small. Build a small system so you can grow some crops to take and give distributors, restaurants, chefs, and market managers. I have found that having top quality produce for samples can get your foot in the door even if they do not want that particular crop and can start the discussion on what crops they cannot get or specialty crops they would like to see. You want to find a market for your produce BEFORE investing in a large system!!!!! Having a small system makes it much easier and quicker to expand larger if you find your market. My farm started with sales to friends and neighbors and has grown from there. We now have 3 systems that have evolved and grown with our expanding market.

Daniel E Murphy said:

My family is starting a new business. I was hoping someone could help me with pointers on putting together an aquaponic farm business plan. We need grants and loans to get started. Our dream is to bring organic quality fish and vegetables to our local market in South-East Georgia and North-East Florida. Do we have anyone who has already done this in their region and wouldn't mind helping a newbie get started?

Also, I want to build partnerships with other farms\distributors\brokers\vendors to provide a variety of vegetables to a shared customer base. My background in software engineering should allow me to build a online platform for this new association which will form. All of this is in its infancy and any guidance would be welcome and appreciated. Would you be interested in partnering potentially?

Finally, as a side project, I want to build a non-profit company to bring these technologies, procedures, supplies to 3rd world countries in order to establish aquaponic farms in regions where nutritious food is scarce. Once the farm and business association is successful and flourishing I would like to spend more time here. This project would be open to any who would like to participate.

A little background about me: I am software engineer\architech by trade with 20 years experience in my industry. I have worked at places such as Microsoft, US Customs Service, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. I have had contracts at these places: "Freedman, Billings and Ramsey (FBR)", Verizon, Unisource, Acosta, Lender Processing Service. In my professional experience I have had the responsibility to lead many successful mission critical, cutting edge information technology projects. This combined with my DIY aquaponics in and of itself does not make me a commercial aquaponic guru. I need help and am hoping to build relationships with some folks that like what I am doing and want to be a part of it, whether its just to school a newbie or become a future partner of some sort.

Thanks in advance to your replies.

Daniel E. Murphy
[e-mail]

[Sahib Punjabi]

Excellent advise Chris :-)


Chris Smith said:

My best advice to you for starting a commercial farm is to start small. Build a small system so you can grow some crops to take and give distributors, restaurants, chefs, and market managers. I have found that having top quality produce for samples can get your foot in the door even if they do not want that particular crop and can start the discussion on what crops they cannot get or specialty crops they would like to see. You want to find a market for your produce BEFORE investing in a large system!!!!! Having a small system makes it much easier and quicker to expand larger if you find your market. My arm started with sales to friends and neighbors and has grown from there. We now have 3 systems that have evolved and grown with our expanding market.

Daniel E Murphy said:

My family is starting a new business. I was hoping someone could help me with pointers on putting together an aquaponic farm business plan. We need grants and loans to get started. Our dream is to bring organic quality fish and vegetables to our local market in South-East Georgia and North-East Florida. Do we have anyone who has already done this in their region and wouldn't mind helping a newbie get started?

Also, I want to build partnerships with other farms\distributors\brokers\vendors to provide a variety of vegetables to a shared customer base. My background in software engineering should allow me to build a online platform for this new association which will form. All of this is in its infancy and any guidance would be welcome and appreciated. Would you be interested in partnering potentially?

Finally, as a side project, I want to build a non-profit company to bring these technologies, procedures, supplies to 3rd world countries in order to establish aquaponic farms in regions where nutritious food is scarce. Once the farm and business association is successful and flourishing I would like to spend more time here. This project would be open to any who would like to participate.

A little background about me: I am software engineer\architech by trade with 20 years experience in my industry. I have worked at places such as Microsoft, US Customs Service, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. I have had contracts at these places: "Freedman, Billings and Ramsey (FBR)", Verizon, Unisource, Acosta, Lender Processing Service. In my professional experience I have had the responsibility to lead many successful mission critical, cutting edge information technology projects. This combined with my DIY aquaponics in and of itself does not make me a commercial aquaponic guru. I need help and am hoping to build relationships with some folks that like what I am doing and want to be a part of it, whether its just to school a newbie or become a future partner of some sort.

Thanks in advance to your replies.

Daniel E. Murphy
[e-mail]

[Daniel E Murphy]

Yes it is. Thanks so much for the input. I love it! please keep it coming if you have more :)


Sahib Punjabi said:

Excellent advise Chris :-)


Chris Smith said:

My best advice to you for starting a commercial farm is to start small. Build a small system so you can grow some crops to take and give distributors, restaurants, chefs, and market managers. I have found that having top quality produce for samples can get your foot in the door even if they do not want that particular crop and can start the discussion on what crops they cannot get or specialty crops they would like to see. You want to find a market for your produce BEFORE investing in a large system!!!!! Having a small system makes it much easier and quicker to expand larger if you find your market. My arm started with sales to friends and neighbors and has grown from there. We now have 3 systems that have evolved and grown with our expanding market.

Daniel E Murphy said:

My family is starting a new business. I was hoping someone could help me with pointers on putting together an aquaponic farm business plan. We need grants and loans to get started. Our dream is to bring organic quality fish and vegetables to our local market in South-East Georgia and North-East Florida. Do we have anyone who has already done this in their region and wouldn't mind helping a newbie get started?

Also, I want to build partnerships with other farms\distributors\brokers\vendors to provide a variety of vegetables to a shared customer base. My background in software engineering should allow me to build a online platform for this new association which will form. All of this is in its infancy and any guidance would be welcome and appreciated. Would you be interested in partnering potentially?

Finally, as a side project, I want to build a non-profit company to bring these technologies, procedures, supplies to 3rd world countries in order to establish aquaponic farms in regions where nutritious food is scarce. Once the farm and business association is successful and flourishing I would like to spend more time here. This project would be open to any who would like to participate.

A little background about me: I am software engineer\architech by trade with 20 years experience in my industry. I have worked at places such as Microsoft, US Customs Service, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. I have had contracts at these places: "Freedman, Billings and Ramsey (FBR)", Verizon, Unisource, Acosta, Lender Processing Service. In my professional experience I have had the responsibility to lead many successful mission critical, cutting edge information technology projects. This combined with my DIY aquaponics in and of itself does not make me a commercial aquaponic guru. I need help and am hoping to build relationships with some folks that like what I am doing and want to be a part of it, whether its just to school a newbie or become a future partner of some sort.

Thanks in advance to your replies.

Daniel E. Murphy
[e-mail]

[TCLynx]

I too like the start small and expand advice.

[Chris Smith]

I guess that I forgot the most important part of any potential endeavor. Write your business plan first!! This will force you to do the necessary research and focus on your direction. This helped me greatly during my expansion. Business plans need to be updated and will evolve over time. I need to update mine soon.
Daniel E Murphy said:

Yes it is. Thanks so much for the input. I love it! please keep it coming if you have more


Sahib Punjabi said:

Excellent advise Chris :-)


Chris Smith said:

My best advice to you for starting a commercial farm is to start small. Build a small system so you can grow some crops to take and give distributors, restaurants, chefs, and market managers. I have found that having top quality produce for samples can get your foot in the door even if they do not want that particular crop and can start the discussion on what crops they cannot get or specialty crops they would like to see. You want to find a market for your produce BEFORE investing in a large system!!!!! Having a small system makes it much easier and quicker to expand larger if you find your market. My arm started with sales to friends and neighbors and has grown from there. We now have 3 systems that have evolved and grown with our expanding market.

Daniel E Murphy said:

My family is starting a new business. I was hoping someone could help me with pointers on putting together an aquaponic farm business plan. We need grants and loans to get started. Our dream is to bring organic quality fish and vegetables to our local market in South-East Georgia and North-East Florida. Do we have anyone who has already done this in their region and wouldn't mind helping a newbie get started?

Also, I want to build partnerships with other farms\distributors\brokers\vendors to provide a variety of vegetables to a shared customer base. My background in software engineering should allow me to build a online platform for this new association which will form. All of this is in its infancy and any guidance would be welcome and appreciated. Would you be interested in partnering potentially?

Finally, as a side project, I want to build a non-profit company to bring these technologies, procedures, supplies to 3rd world countries in order to establish aquaponic farms in regions where nutritious food is scarce. Once the farm and business association is successful and flourishing I would like to spend more time here. This project would be open to any who would like to participate.

A little background about me: I am software engineer\architech by trade with 20 years experience in my industry. I have worked at places such as Microsoft, US Customs Service, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. I have had contracts at these places: "Freedman, Billings and Ramsey (FBR)", Verizon, Unisource, Acosta, Lender Processing Service. In my professional experience I have had the responsibility to lead many successful mission critical, cutting edge information technology projects. This combined with my DIY aquaponics in and of itself does not make me a commercial aquaponic guru. I need help and am hoping to build relationships with some folks that like what I am doing and want to be a part of it, whether its just to school a newbie or become a future partner of some sort.

Thanks in advance to your replies.

Daniel E. Murphy
[e-mail]

[Daniel E Murphy]

Yes it is being written. Still some graphs with fake numbers and blank spots but i am trying to improve it :) Thanks for the help so far i really appreciate it.

I have thought of this in phases where phase one is built from cheaper local materials to give us enough to get started. I agree having beautiful veggies to show can impress. I will take your advice. I want to build a steady dependable crop and customer base.



Chris Smith said:

I guess that I forgot the most important part of any potential endeavor. Write your business plan first!! This will force you to do the necessary research and focus on your direction. This helped me greatly during my expansion. Business plans need to be updated and will evolve over time. I need to update mine soon.
Daniel E Murphy said:

Yes it is. Thanks so much for the input. I love it! please keep it coming if you have more


Sahib Punjabi said:

Excellent advise Chris :-)


Chris Smith said:

My best advice to you for starting a commercial farm is to start small. Build a small system so you can grow some crops to take and give distributors, restaurants, chefs, and market managers. I have found that having top quality produce for samples can get your foot in the door even if they do not want that particular crop and can start the discussion on what crops they cannot get or specialty crops they would like to see. You want to find a market for your produce BEFORE investing in a large system!!!!! Having a small system makes it much easier and quicker to expand larger if you find your market. My arm started with sales to friends and neighbors and has grown from there. We now have 3 systems that have evolved and grown with our expanding market.

Daniel E Murphy said:

My family is starting a new business. I was hoping someone could help me with pointers on putting together an aquaponic farm business plan. We need grants and loans to get started. Our dream is to bring organic quality fish and vegetables to our local market in South-East Georgia and North-East Florida. Do we have anyone who has already done this in their region and wouldn't mind helping a newbie get started?

Also, I want to build partnerships with other farms\distributors\brokers\vendors to provide a variety of vegetables to a shared customer base. My background in software engineering should allow me to build a online platform for this new association which will form. All of this is in its infancy and any guidance would be welcome and appreciated. Would you be interested in partnering potentially?

Finally, as a side project, I want to build a non-profit company to bring these technologies, procedures, supplies to 3rd world countries in order to establish aquaponic farms in regions where nutritious food is scarce. Once the farm and business association is successful and flourishing I would like to spend more time here. This project would be open to any who would like to participate.

A little background about me: I am software engineer\architech by trade with 20 years experience in my industry. I have worked at places such as Microsoft, US Customs Service, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. I have had contracts at these places: "Freedman, Billings and Ramsey (FBR)", Verizon, Unisource, Acosta, Lender Processing Service. In my professional experience I have had the responsibility to lead many successful mission critical, cutting edge information technology projects. This combined with my DIY aquaponics in and of itself does not make me a commercial aquaponic guru. I need help and am hoping to build relationships with some folks that like what I am doing and want to be a part of it, whether its just to school a newbie or become a future partner of some sort.

Thanks in advance to your replies.

Daniel E. Murphy
[e-mail]

[Sylvia Bernstein]

Dan, I was considering going commercial for a while, then backed down because it just wouldn't work for me. I wrote a blog post about my experience and thoughts that might help others considering the same things called Commercial Aquaponics: 10 Things to Consider Before Taking the Plunge. You may find it helpful.

[Chris Smith]

This is an excellent post and sums up much of my experience!
Sylvia Bernstein said:

Dan, I was considering going commercial for a while, then backed down because it just wouldn't work for me. I wrote a blog post about my experience and thoughts that might help others considering the same things called Commercial Aquaponics: 10 Things to Consider Before Taking the Plunge. You may find it helpful.

[Sahib Punjabi]

Great posts. I would add that after you have exhausted your available growing options and space in your "back yard", should you decide to venture into "commercial", whether micro, small, medium or large scale, please do consider land / property "zoning". Strongly advise you get "Agricultural" zoned and do plan to invest substantially for some "controlled environment" re nature elements.

Good luck :-)


Chris Smith said:

This is an excellent post and sums up much of my experience!
Sylvia Bernstein said:

Dan, I was considering going commercial for a while, then backed down because it just wouldn't work for me. I wrote a blog post about my experience and thoughts that might help others considering the same things called Commercial Aquaponics: 10 Things to Consider Before Taking the Plunge. You may find it helpful.

[Sylvia Bernstein]

thanks, Chris :D

Chris Smith said:

This is an excellent post and sums up much of my experience!
Sylvia Bernstein said:

Dan, I was considering going commercial for a while, then backed down because it just wouldn't work for me. I wrote a blog post about my experience and thoughts that might help others considering the same things called Commercial Aquaponics: 10 Things to Consider Before Taking the Plunge. You may find it helpful.