Getting Organic Certification and Income Enough to Support Myself

[Dawn Jamison]

Hello,

I do not have a system yet and I am currently residing in Illinois.  I hope to be moving to the northern Arizona area early May 2013.  If I can line everything up I like to be able to begin installing my system upon arrival.  I am in the process of getting my business plan together and while doing research I received correspondence from a commercial aquaponics dealer.  I was told that most systems have difficulty getting certified as organic "except for their system."  Obviously I know some or all of this may be a sales tactic but is there any truth to this statement?   Has anyone out there tried to get certified and run into problems and do you have any feedback on this?  Does it mainly relate to the type of system used i.e. raft, media based etc?  I'd really like to be organic certified because I believe consumers are more trusting of those products and will be more likely to become repeat buyers.  I'd really like to be able to support myself from what I grow.  Does anyone have any info that can help me understand if I would be able to make enough money doing this to become self-sufficient and self-sustained, i.e. not needing to work for someone else, bring in enough income to live on?  There's not a lot of data out there relating to sales info and how local communities support aquaponics farmers.  CSAs and locally grown certified produce from soil based farms do have data but they are not quite the same.  I want to be sure this is something that will be worth my while.  I have gardened my entire live using organic methods.  I am highly interested in the Farm to School program and would really like to get involved in aquaponics education of students and their local communities.

Thanks,

Dawn

[Zachary Larson]

In my research I found that there are only three types of aquaponics models that are profitable enough to live off of: 1.) a non-profit with a cause that brings in large amounts of donations and grant money. 2.) a very large facility with a large production capacity - requires a huge financial investment. 3.) a facility in an area with severe land or water restriction - cuts competition.

Definitely take multiple classes and get multiple perspectives as these systems can be very volatile and one fish kill off can put you out of business. I've seen countless people start up a commercial aquaponics business after taking only one three day seminar which provides for only one perspective. These people don't get the whole story and their business fails miserably every time. After doing a lot of research, my advise would be to start out with small raft system and tilapia as, although not profitable unless done on a very large scale, this is the easiest combination to operate and has the most scientific backing. When you are confident that you can maintain that system without a die off, then convert into a hybrid system as these have far more advantages and less disadvantages than any other.

[Nate Storey]

Dawn,

I operate a CSA.  It's a good model, but it takes much more preparation and investment than most people anticipate.  I certainly wouldn't jump into an aquaponics enterprise. The reality is that aquaponics isn't functional or appropriate for many places (commercially) at this time.  The system works, however the market doesn't always oblige, and if you end up in an area where you're competing with hydroponic producers you'll have a much more difficult go at it.

[James W Sink]

Murray Hallam's newest system combines raft and media beds so you have the benefits of both, growing all kinds of vegetables.  This youtube clip shows the commercial course and shows the hybrid system.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rs_Wl5zH-rc&feature=plcp.   

Here is Murray Hallam's blog. http://practicalaquaponics.com/blog/ It has more info.  Syliva Bernstein's book and Murray Hallam's complete DVD set is a good way to start learning.  All available at theaquaponicssource.com.  A commercial book is now available and a DVD is coming for those who can't attend the course.  People are finding they they don't need to be certified organic.  Once you introduce your system to customers, they realize there can be 0% pesticides & chemicals because that would kill your fish.  That saves you time, money and paperwork.  Here are three more youtube links to get you started. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j_Tz9iXLI_U&feature=plcp

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W7wqpR8IiFc&list=PL8E826CA64C3D4...

http://www.youtube.com/user/murrayponics?feature=results_main

 

[Dawn Jamison]

Thanks to all that have replied so far.  The income I would need would be modest.  I want minimal environmental implact, I am willing to work long hours as this will be a lifestyle change not just a job.  I don't like the raft concept due to plant variety restrictions.  Does anyone have info on their sucess working  a CSA situation with aquaponics?      Seems that commercial aquaponics can only make a real profit doing it that way due to being able to produce a denser planting.  I will check out the two suggested websites/farms.  I planned to use niche market.   

[James W Sink]

Talk to Sylvia Bernstein at www.theaquaponicssource.com , then to Gina at Green Acres Organics in Fl. You need to take one of the commercial aquaponics courses being offered in various places in the U.S. if you want to make it. It's definitely doable if you follow the business and building plans they have developed in conjunction with Murray Hallam in Australia. Their marketing advice will be invaluable as well as the directions on setting up the system.

[Nate Storey]

Dawn,

You won't make much in aquaponics.  You'll work long, hard hours and invest a great deal.  If it is something you love enough to work long weeks and live on small margins, then with proper planning, market research and sufficient capital you can make a go of it.  But it will be a struggle and you won't make a whole lot, especially with raft production. That's the grim reality.

I think there's potential for aquaponics to play a larger role in the specialty and niche product market, but for the average person thinking about getting into it, this requires more than they will be willing to invest.

[RupertofOZ]

 Does anyone have any info that can help me understand if I would be able to make enough money doing this to become self-sufficient and self-sustained, i.e. not needing to work for someone else, bring in enough income to live on?

Perhaps you need to define what level of income you need to "live on".... and/or... to be self-sufficient and self-sustained...