Ulysse Hay, Founder and Managing Director of Aquaponeasy, is spearheading the development of a landmark aquaponics project in northeastern France. On a 2-hectare site in Vic-sur-Seille, the company is building what will be the largest aquaponic farm in the Grand Est region. By the end of 2026, the facility will produce 60 tons of fish and 35 tons of fruits and vegetables annually.
The farm will operate without pesticides or chemical fertilizers, recycling 90% of its water, and supplying a mix of retailers, chefs, and local consumers. Crops will include tomatoes, leafy greens, herbs, and strawberries, grown year-round in a climate-resilient setting. "My passion is to develop a project that addresses real challenges: sustainable water use, food sovereignty, access to healthy food, and reduced CO₂ emissions," Hay wrote in a recent LinkedIn post. "I believe aquaponics will define the 21st century."
© Ulysse Hay on LinkedIn
Supported by region and state
The project has been formally backed by France 2030, the government's strategic innovation program. Earlier this month, Hay presented the initiative to Franck Leroy, President of the Grand Est Region. "I want to thank him for his presence, his interest, and the quality of the discussions that followed," Hay said via LinkedIn. "We will now work to establish a stronger partnership with the Grand Est Region on a number of topics."
Jérôme End, Mayor of Vic-sur-Seille and President of the Saulnois Community of Communes, has also voiced his support. "Starting in 2026, the farm will produce 35 tons of fruits and vegetables and 60 tons of fish," said End. "Food sovereignty is a real issue. We import a lot of fish in France, even though we are the world's second-largest maritime power. That raises important questions. This won't just be a production site. It will also be a place of experimentation, a demonstration space that will attract visitors."
© Ulysse Hay on LinkedIn
Franck Leroy, Ulysse Hay and Jérôme End
Commercial traction and investment momentum
The project is expected to create nine jobs within three years, with a total development budget of €3 million. Aquaponeasy has already secured €400,000 in funding and continues to engage with impact investors and strategic partners ahead of a planned fall close. According to the company, 80% of future clients have already signed letters of interest, including major retailers such as Intermarché, Grand Frais, and Bio Nat & Co, as well as several Michelin-starred restaurants.
Distribution will follow a 30-40-30 split: 30% direct farm sales, 40% through supermarkets, and 30% to restaurants and caterers. "Aquaponics answers many of today's environmental, agricultural, and food-related challenges," said Hay. "Its development is not only an opportunity but a necessity. We're laying the foundation for something that can be duplicated, in France and beyond."
Making aquaponics accessible at home
Beyond the commercial farm, Aquaponeasy has also launched Univers Aquaponie, an e-commerce brand that enables individuals to build aquaponic systems at home.
The platform offers kits, equipment, and educational resources to support household-level food autonomy and sustainable growing practices. "Our mission is to make aquaponics accessible to all, support food autonomy, and encourage reconnection with living things."
For more information:
Aquaponeasy
Ulysse Hay, Founder and Managing Director
Ulysse Hay on LinkedIn 
Univers Aquaponie
[email protected]
www.univers-aquaponie.com
