In the heart of Iberia, a green revolution is quietly taking root. Aquaponics Iberia is redefining urban farming, or, as CEO and co-founder João Cotter says: “We believe in the power of local, sustainable food production to solve global challenges.”
The Fish n’ Greens Revolution
“We specialize in aquaponics, an innovative agricultural technique that combines aquaculture with hydroponics,” João explains. This isn’t your grandmother’s vegetable patch; it’s a high-tech symphony of fish and foliage.
Their flagship project, Fish n’ Greens, sounds like a hipster food truck. Instead, it’s a modular urban farming system that would make even the most seasoned agriculturist do a double-take. Powered by SWIMS™ technology (Solid Waste Integrated Management System), it optimizes waste management while boosting productivity.
Cultivating Knowledge: From Classrooms to XR
Aquaponics Iberia isn’t just about growing food; they’re cultivating knowledge too. Their School Farming and XRAqua projects bring aquaponics into classrooms, armed with cutting-edge XR (Extended Reality) technology, and teaches students about sustainable food production.
Triple Threat Against Environmental Degradation
The benefits? They’re as plentiful as the produce they grow. “Our systems are designed to reduce resource consumption, minimize waste, and promote biodiversity,” João states. Water waste? Slashed. Harmful chemicals? Eliminated. Greenhouse gas emissions? Dramatically lowered.
A Vision Beyond the Next Harvest
Aquaponics Iberia’s vision stretches far beyond the next harvest. “We aim to establish a network of sustainable, decentralized food production units throughout Europe,” João declares. It’s an ambitious goal, but with over 23 key partners ranging from municipalities to research institutions, they’re not swimming alone.
However, challenges remain. “Creating organic standards for aquaponics food in the EU is critical,” João emphasizes. Without these standards, aquaponics producers are left high and dry in the growing organic market.
Aquaponics Iberia welcomes investors, collaborators, and advocates. Whether you’re wielding capital or just a loud voice for sustainability, there’s a role for you in this story.
The Deeper Motivation
As for João and his team, their motivation runs deep. “We are doing this because we believe in the power of local, sustainable food production to solve global challenges,” he says. It’s not just about feeding people; it’s about nourishing communities and healing the planet.
In the end, Aquaponics Iberia is more than a company; it’s a movement. They’re not just growing fish and vegetables; they’re cultivating a sustainable future. And in that future, the fish are vegetarian, the vegetables are thriving, and urban farming is the new normal.
At GICA, we’re excited to support innovators like Aquaponics Iberia. Want to dive into more world-changing initiatives? Swim over to gica.community and join our school of change-makers. Maybe even explore more about what the future of food holds: Food Campus Berlin.
Remember: Every time you support companies like Aquaponics Iberia, you’re not just helping grow food; you’re helping cultivate a greener, more sustainable world. And that’s a harvest we can all share.
João Cotter on LinkedIn? Here!
