Advancing Commercial Food Production Through Integrated Fish and Plant Systems to Meet the Needs of Industry and Community

Building on the previous success of a 2-year College and Community Innovation program - Innovation Enhancement (CCI-IE) grant and dedicated to optimizing and expanding commercial aquaponics systems, Lethbridge College worked closely with aquaponics, aquaculture, and greenhouse producers to identify critical issues facing Southern Alberta's commercial food production sector. To address these issues, Lethbridge College employed a multi-disciplinary approach aligned with its strategic focus on Agriculture.

The objectives were the development of a highly efficient production platform based on the integration of fish and plants and utilization of solid waste using developed aerobic bioreactors resulting to complete elimination of the waste and 100% nutrient recycling along with food safety, consumer acceptance, and Economic Returns On Investment.