Making a living with Aquaponics

[daniel]

I am having one of those weeks.

You know the ones where you want to change to a completely different career.

I was just musing about creating a system big enough to turn a decent profit. I don't suppose this is something you can build up too in a back yard.

Otherwise, does anyone know if there are many small holders/farmers who produce enough to subsidise their day to day lives?

Thanks in advance

[Murray]

I have been doing a bit of thinking about that myself Daniel. There are so many variables.
What crop will be best to produce ? and where will it be sold ? Just a starter.

[Handyandy]

Hi all,

I am new to the forum, so I hope I am doing things correctly?!!

I am interested in going "commercial" with aquaponics, so am after any info anyone has.

I have seen a site at www.aquaponic.com.au called Integrated Aquaponic Solutions. The guys name is Wilson Lennard (he reckons he has a Doctorate as well?). Does anyone know anything about him, and whether he knows what he is talking about because he reckons he is a consultant for commercial systems?

Is the info on his site correct? Does anyone know of him or anything about him? has anyone seen his Commercail system (pic's on his site)?

Any info would be welcomed.

Handyandy

[daniel]

yes. it strikes me that the fish are the money makers, but then again, you could probably produce veg and herbs a lot quicker and more regularly..

Markets are an option for selling produce, or even restaurants. Speaking to a chef and seeing what they consume the most of wouldn't hurt. I reckon these guys would be a more viable market than say a fruit and veg shop.

[Murray]

I think it would be a lot easier to sell veggies and or herbs than the fish. If you were to sell the fish live there would be no regs to deal with, but the moment you started to process the fish in any way you would need to comply with local council food handling regulations etc.
Ok if you had a few spare dollars to make a small commercial food processing facility.
I know from my own experience that it is very easy to sell live fish to the local Asian community. Once the word gets out you would need to lock your gates.......

[Handyandy]

Hi Murray,

Thanks for moving the thread. I am really after some info on commercial stuff and in particular, this guy Wilson Lennard. He seems to say that he knows alot, but it is hard to find anyone with any knowledge of him and his services? So, do you think this present thread will help me with that?

I think this forum may turn into a a bit of a beast for me, I have a lot to learn and there seems to be SO much here!

Handyandy

[etacwa]

Gee handy you get around!
I see you are a member on both sites. (No pun intended)

No wonder you have so much reading.

[Murray]

Wilson Leonard is between projects at the moment. He has experience in setting up a commercial system. Perhaps you should contact him directly yourself. He has a website which no doubt you have found already.
The reading is not to much really, but that is up to you.

[sunnyside]

Depends where you are... check your zoning laws first and make sure you have the appropriate licenses and permits. Determine your breakeven and work backwards
It's a lot easier in rural areas - where I am I can sell produce direct from the farm gate without licenses. Yabbies are like free-range Australorp eggs - they sell themselves (about $5 each for 200g yabbies). If you can find local markets so much the better. Years ago when I lived in the suburbs I sold/bartered my excess fruit and vege with the IGA across the road. In my (limited) experience your friends and neighbours are your best customers and will buy in advance.
Someone else in the forum suggested contacting local restaurants. That is good advice, however I would suggest overgrowing/stocking as the chef usually wants to order in advance and will not take kindly to substandard or shortages. Keep 'em happy and you'll get good customers. Telling chef at 5am that you don't have the basil and tomatoes they want... not good, not printable here.
Hope this helps a little...

[sillyoldfart]

Wilson Leonard is between projects at the moment.

Back in my day, that kind of euphermism meant someone had either gone belly up, had a falling out with financial backers or partners or had lost the lease on the premises and been asked to move.... :lol: