Aquaponic systems are, by their nature, organic farming systems because pesticides and or herbicides would harm the fish.  In an aquaponic growing facility, bacteria nitrify or oxidize fish waste into plant available nutrients and in turn the growing plants filter the water to providing fish with clean water.  This symbiotic relationship ensures vegetables are grown organically which literally means 'pertaining to, involving, or grown with fertilizers or pesticides of animal or vegetable origin, as distinguished from manufactured chemicals'.  The only additive in this environment is fish food and if this is organic, then the entire process is can be identified as organically grown. 

Approximately 38% of all organic foods grown in the US are fruits and vegetables.  According to the report, “US Organic Food Market Analysis”, the organic industry grew by 5.1 percent in 2009, despite the difficult economic environment.  From 2000-2008, the average annual growth rate of the industry ranged from 16 percent to 21 percent, RNCOS said.  “Increasing health awareness, environment protection, food safety, and animal welfare are fuelling the growth of the industry,” says a market researcher.   

Although conflicting studies exist as to the higher nutrient value of fruits and vegetables grown organically versus conventionally grown, for many switching to eating organically has improved their health exponentially and continues to drive up demand for organically grown food.  The Grow Your Own Meal™ (GYOM™) choice to implement an aquaponic system is directly related to our commitment to growing organically.  We expect our facility to be a tool for expanding research on the nutrient value of organics and contributing to a body of knowledge espousing the value of healthy eating.

you may want to watch TV about organically grown initiatives...visit www.organicnation.tv