Reinventing farming with aquaponics

A family pig farm has expanded its business by investing in an aquaponics system, creating a new economic mainstay alongside the existing pig farming to diversify and strengthen their business. The Wasser Garten project installed aquaponics systems enabling fish farming and vegetable cultivation in a single, energy-efficient and water-saving cycle. The system is well-suited for African catfish, which can breathe both atmospheric and waterborne oxygen. The farm provided sufficient space for fish tanks and a polytunnel dedicated to cultivating vegetables and lettuce. The fish provide valuable nutrients for the plants, while the plants help maintain high water quality. The fish and produce are processed together and sold regionally, emphasising sustainability and short transport routes. Key investments, including a slewing crane, safety fencing for fish tanks, and heat exchangers for heat recovery and ventilation, were made to secure this activity as a core economic pillar for the future.