The global Aquaponics market is estimated to be worth $34 million in 2022. It is projected to increase to $65 million by 2028 according to globenswire.com. As an early adopter of emerging aquaculture technology, a nearly 250 gallon Aquaponics Demonstration Unit from the Kentucky FFA Leadership Training Center has been on display at multiple additional sites over the past two months.  Viewed by thousands of potential stakeholders, this unit that was funded through the Small Farms Grant Program, has garnered positive attention for Kentucky State University and our collaborative partner, Kentucky Association FFA (formerly Future Farmers of America). 

Initially transitioned from its permanent placement in the glass atrium next the general assembly hall at FFA Camp, the 200 gallon round tank aquaculture tank with picture window accompanied by three of its hydroponic bays was set up as one of the main focal attractions within the KYSU booth in Ag-Land at the 2022 Kentucky State Fair. Tilapia and a collection of lettuce and peppers were on display. With total fair attendance in excess of 400,000 guests, a very conservative estimate of 12,000 indirect contacts was recorded as well as several hundred direct contacts by extension personnel interacting personally with fairgoers. 

After the Commonwealth’s 118^thState Fair, the system was set up at the Farmer Appreciation Day event in collaboration with the Kentucky Aquaculture Association at Jefferson County’s Rocky Ridge Paddlefish Farm on September 10. This event was attended by another 375 people. The Aquaponic Source system will return to the FFA Leadership Training Center in Hardinsburg in January 2023 following additional demonstration exhibitions. It will be stocked with tilapia and put in full production in early Spring 2023, producing fish and vegetables for the facility’s cafeteria meals. Plans are also underway to develop and implement an educational component with special interest classes during the eight week period of programming by Career and Technical Education intra-curricular students.