With grocery prices climbing, more people are looking for ways to grow their own food. One new downtown business is helping Rapid City residents do just that. Aqua and Acre opened its doors this week, aiming to bring agriculture education and sustainability to the heart of the city.
"Aqua and Acre was kind of born out of my passion for sustainability and sustainable farming," said Kelsey Murray, CEO and founder. "I've been doing aquaponics—a growing method that uses fish to nourish plants—for about eight years. It just grew to a point where we had to bring it to the people."
Murray is a former Environmental Engineering professor who is passionate about aquaponics, which uses nutrient-rich water from fish tanks to help plants thrive—no soil required. Murray says the approach could help address vulnerabilities in the local food system.
"The mayor told me Rapid City only has about 72 hours of emergency food supply," Murray said. "If the supply chain were disrupted, shelves would empty fast. That highlights the need for more accessible, locally produced food."
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