The Aquaponics Association has sent a letter to USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack about how aquaponics can support the USDA’s new Build Back Better Initiative.
The USDA’s Build Back Better Initiative is investing up to $1 billion to support and expand the emergency food network so states, food banks, and local organizations can reliably serve their communities.
Building on lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic, USDA will enter into cooperative agreements with state, Tribal and local entities to more efficiently purchase food from local producers and invest in infrastructure that enables partner organizations to more effectively reach underserved communities. The USDA states that the U.S. food system of the future should be fair, competitive, distributed, and resilient; it must support health and ensure producers receive a fair share of the food dollar while advancing equity and contributing to national climate goals.
Aquaponics is a food production system integrating fish and plants in a closed, soil-less system. Aquaponic farms are growing rapidly across our nation, but more work is needed to expand the benefits of this revolutionary growing method.
A food system that is fair
Historically, agricultural production was in areas with specific climate and soil conditions. However, aquaponics does not require soil and is practiced in controlled environments like greenhouses or repurposed factories. Aquaponics can be applied in food deserts, in areas without arable soil or in extreme climates. This means that aquaponics offers fresh food and economic opportunities to every state in our nation.
The United States’ current food supply is characterized by long transportation distances, excessive food waste, nutrient depletion, and overly processed food. Aquaponics offers fresh fruits, vegetables, and fish in any location.
Read the complete article at www.aquaponicsassociation.org.
Aquaponics Association4531 Airlie Way, Annandale VA 22003
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