The predictions are that by 2050, we need to feed almost 10 billion mouths. Our traditional food production methods cause land degradation, climate change and ocean pollution. In order to guarantee food safety and food security for all of us we will have to look for alternative food production methods.
Riverfood, founded in 2015 and based in Leiden, is making use of aquaponics combined with vertical farming: a circular ecosystem in which vegetables and fruits are grown together with fish, creating a customized and sustainable food production without waste streams for both outside use as well as indoors.
Aquaponics exists already for some time and has a worldwide growing group of users. An important reason why aquaponics has not been used in full potential is the need of specialist knowledge about the construction and operation of the systems. Therefore, aquaponics mainly remains a hobby.
Riverfood is currently in the process of designing, building and – in the near future - selling modular aquaponics systems. Combined with low-threshold workshops, courses and training given at Riverfood, aquaponics could become appealing for everyone. Using the modular aquaponics systems people can provide themselves partly or completely in their own food from within their homes or offices. The modular aquaponics systems are for both indoor and outdoor use, are easy to assemble, easy to maintain and easy to expand into a larger food production system, use little space, provide harvest all year round and contribute to a better world.
Aquaponics systems with 6m2 plant grow area should provide all vegetables needed for one person all year round. When expanding to 24m2 plant grow area a family of 4 can be fed all year round. Through expansion of the modular aquaponics systems, food can even be produced at a large scale, safely away from all disruptive influences and without large investments. The modular aquaponics systems will provide fresh and nutritious food, guaranteed pesticide- and antibiotics-free, year-round.
All in all, Riverfood is building a future in which local and responsible farming is the norm, and healthy food is available everywhere, to everyone.