Aquaponics 101 Workshop

Interested in learning about how fish and plants can live together and provide food for you and your family? Join Escambia and Santa Rosa UF/IFAS Extension agents to learn more about the basics of growing fish and plants together.  The 2013 Aquaponics 101 workshop will be held Tuesday, June 25 at the Escambia County Extension Office, 3740 Stefani Road in Cantonment from 8 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. Registration is $25 and includes lunch. Register online at ap2013.eventbrite.com and searching “Aquaponics 101.”

Aquaponics is an exciting system where fish and plants grow in harmony. An aquaponic system can be a fun project for the home gardener but may also become a successful farming venture. This workshop will focus on the basics of aquaponics production.

Speakers include Auburn University Ph.D. candidates, Jason Danahur and Jeremy Pickens. Delton Boswell, who operates the successful Escambia County Sheriff’s Office Prison Camp 5 aquaponics operation, will speak on raising tilapia. Dave Mills, a Florida Master Naturalist and Master Gardener, will discuss and demonstrate the backyard aquaponics system he operates at the extension office. In addition, a panel discussion will provide information on the rules and regulations that apply to aquaponics operations. For more information contact Blake Thaxton, at (850) 623-3868 or bthaxton@ufl.edu