Regional Workshop on Food Loss and Waste Prevention Concludes with Urban Aquaponics Visit in Centurion

The final day of the Regional Workshop on Food Loss and Waste Prevention concluded yesterday with a practical visit to Urban Aquaponics, an aquaculture farm in Centurion. The excursion provided participants with hands-on exposure to aquaponics, a sustainable farming system where fish and plants coexist in a controlled ecosystem, producing fresh vegetables and healthy fish with minimal environmental impact.

Researchers from the Agricultural Research Council (ARC) specialising in aquaponics shared insights into their ongoing studies, demonstrating how the integrated system functions. The session highlighted how aquaponics supports resource efficiency, reduces water usage, and contributes to sustainable agriculture practices. Participants observed the synergy between fish and plant production and learned how waste from the fish provides nutrients for plants, creating a closed-loop system that maximises output while conserving resources.

The visit also included engagement with Mr. Neale Strauch, the founder of Urban Aquaponics. He showcased how aquaponics is successfully implemented on a commercial scale, demonstrating the practical benefits of the system for food production and business sustainability. Participants had the opportunity to ask questions and explore how aquaponics can be applied in urban settings to address food security challenges while minimising waste.

The visit reinforced key workshop messages on innovation and sustainability in agriculture. By combining research insights with practical implementation, aquaponics provides a model for reducing food loss, improving efficiency, and promoting environmentally responsible farming. Participants left with a deeper understanding of how technology-driven approaches can advance sustainable food systems in both urban and rural contexts.