Commercial Growers Hit Hard By Coronavirus

Two weeks ago we sent a short, informal survey asking how the lockdown conditions are affecting aquaponic growers. This article provides the results from commercial aquaponic growers.By Brian FilipowichCommercial aquaponic growers have been hit hard by the coronavirus lockdown. We received about 25 survey responses from commercial growers and about two-thirds said their business decreased by over 50% or completely shut down.About one-third of growers said they have had success shifting their sales from restaurants to local markets or deliveries. One farm even said their business has now expanded.Several growers said that the lockdown affected business plans or government proceedings that were already underway. And several said they are already seeing some supply shortages, and fear more.Quotes:

• "Weekly produce orders have increased as many of my clients have chosen not to travel outside of their homes to purchase food. (I operate a customizable CSA) I am currently contemplating how much extra produce to grow this summer in my traditional soil garden." - Aquatic Gardens
• "Growing: no impact yet, although we've had to temporarily suspend 50% of our staff. This will eventually translate to longer cycles. Selling: All hotel and most restaurant business suspended. Consumer purchasing direct from farm increased, but not yet significantly. Pivoting to pop-up sales in the community and farm-to-porch sales." ETX Aquaponics
• "We are continuing to grow and allowing texts orders with touchless payment options we then take the goods outside for pick up." - Bella Vita Farm
• "Getting tons of request for fish of all sizes, sold out of hatchery size fish last couple days and now selling larger fish! Can't supply all requests!" - Future Food Farms
• "Trying to get organic certified and expand but gov. offices are closed." - Double Diamond Aquaponics Farm
• "Over the weekend we lost 90% to 95% of our market as almost every restaurant and country club closed operations." - [withheld]
• "Lost 90% of my business overnight" - [withheld]
• "I only sell to restaurants and they are closed so my business has been shut down" - [withheld]
• "We are completely unable to sell any of our fish because of state and federal lock downs. No sales what so ever! We have good demand we have good supply but with social distancing because of the corona virus we are unable to host fish sales" - [withheld]

Stay tuned for responses from research, STEM education, community, and personal growers.Help us spread the message!The Aquaponics Association is a nonprofit that connects growers and works to increase aquaponic production. Please consider a General Membership to support this cause.Benefits of Membership include:

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