UWSP Students Celebrate Completion of First of its Kind Aquaponics Course

Thursday, May 24, 2012

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

UWSP Students Celebrate Completion of First of its Kind Aquaponics Course

Students Help Develop a Healthy Sustainable Food Supply Partnering with Global Leader in Aquaponics

Montello, Wis., May 23, 2012 — Global aquaponics leader, Nelson and Pade, Inc. of Montello, Wis., recently hosted three days of hands-on aquaponics learning labs with 30 college students presenting aquaponics business and marketing plans on local sustainable ways to grow fish and vegetables.

As a first in the country public/private partnership fostered by UW-Stevens Point (UWSP) and a successful Wisconsin-based company, Nelson and Pade, Inc., the world leader in aquaponics, together are teaching students from across the country about new ways to grow fresh food. The course was developed jointly by Dr. Chris Hartleb, UW-Stevens Point professor of biology, and Rebecca Nelson and John Pade of Nelson and Pade, Inc.

“Students experienced firsthand a new level of education in aquaponics enrolling in the first of its kind university course in aquaponics,” says Rebecca Nelson, co-founder of Nelson and Pade, Inc., along with her husband John Pade. “Students are discovering sustainable ways to grow fresh fish and produce to feed a world population that is projected to be 9 billion by 2050.”

Aquaponics is helping to feed a growing global population using sustainable, efficient and highly productive food systems. Students from UWSP and colleges from across the country experienced three days of hands-on lab sessions, learning about aquaponic system design, fish stocking, biology, plant growth and environmental control, during the five labs that took place over 3 days at Nelson and Pade, Inc.’s state-of-the-art aquaponic greenhouse in Montello. The course culminated on May 23 with student’s presenting their aquaponics business plans to market fish and plant crops complete with tasting of sample recipes of their aquaponic, freshly grown fish and vegetables. On hand to watch and interact with students were UWSP dignitaries including, Chancellor Bernie Patterson; Dean of College of Letters and Science, Christopher Cirmo, education leaders and the media. Additionally, Wisconsin Secretary of Agriculture, Trade & Consumer Protection, Ben Brancel and Deputy Tourism Secretary, David Fantle and State Senator Luther Olsen were on hand at the event.

Aquaponics is the combination of aquaculture and hydroponics. In aquaponics, you grow fish and plants together in one integrated, soilless system. The fish waste provides a food source for the plants and the plants provide a natural filter for the water the fish live in. Aquaponics produces safe, fresh, organic fish and vegetables. When aquaponics is combined with a controlled environment greenhouse, premium quality crops can be grown on a year-round basis, anywhere in the world. Aquaponics can be used to sustainably raise fresh fish and vegetables for a family, to feed a village or to generate a profit in a commercial farming venture.

Students experienced the new state-of-the-art commercial 5,000 square foot aquaponic greenhouse with tilapia swimming in clean water tanks to floating rafts full of lettuce, herbs, vegetables and fruits. The labs helped students discover what aquaponic systems can grow and creative recipes developed to taste free samples of naturally raised aquaponically-grown fish and produce.

In addition to the aquaponics course in partnership with UWSP, Nelson and Pade, Inc. offers 3-day Aquaponics and Controlled Environment Agriculture training workshops at their facility in Montello, WI.  These comprehensive workshops draw participants from around the world to learn about aquaponic food production, for applications ranging from home food production to commercial ventures.   Registration is still open for the next workshop, which takes place June 14-16, 2012.  For more information or to register, call 608-297-8708.   For the full workshop schedule and details, visit: http://aquaponics.com/page/workshops-and-training

For more information about aquaponics, controlled environment agriculture or enrolling in the next 2012 course or workshops, contact Rebecca Nelson, president of Nelson and Pade, Inc., at 608.297.8708 or www.aquaponics.com

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About Aquaponics Course University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point (UWSP) Continuing Education, Department of Biology, and the Northern Aquaculture Demonstration Facility, in partnership with Nelson and Pade, Inc., a Montello, Wisconsin-based company specializing in aquaponics technology, systems and training has established a NEW 3-credit, full semester course in Aquaponics during Spring 2012 Semester. The online sessions and the hands-on lab sessions introduce students to aquaponics, a first of its kind program in the Country.

Nelson and Pade, Inc., based in Montello, Wis., is the global leader of the aquaponics industry, supplying technology, design, complete systems, training and technical support. With more than 20 years’ experience designing, building, operating and improving aquaponic systems, founders and owners, Rebecca Nelson and John Pade understand what it takes to be successful in aquaponics from both a science and business point of view. Aquaponics is quickly gaining popularity as individuals, entrepreneurs, educators, missions and governments realize that aquaponics can provide both fish and vegetables from one system, while using minimal resources. Aquaponics can be done in a small space, providing fresh local food.

Posted By Rebecca Nelson
Tagged with Aquaponic Systems Chris Hartleb Education John Pade Nelson and Pade Rebecca Nelson UWSP