September 18, 2015 | seedstock

Seedstock today announced that San Diego-based Solutions Farms, one of the largest aquaponics farms in the West, will be added to the “Future Farm Field Trip”. The “Future Farm Field Trip” on Day 1 (Nov. 3) of the 4th Annual Seedstock Sustainable Agriculture Conference: Innovation and the Rise of Local Food offers an excursion into the diversity of urban and state-of-the-art indoor agriculture operations in Southern California. Tour participants will be treated to lectures and sessions from pioneering farmers and social entrepreneurs who are embracing innovative business models and growing systems to both increase food security and take advantage of the escalating demand for local food.

Click here for more details on the field trip: http://bit.ly/1gXUYke

Solutions Farms is a soilless, or aquaponics farm, where nutrient-rich water from fish culture is used to nourish produce, which in turn purifies the water so it can be returned to the fish. The farm provides a source of locally-raised, certified organic produce that is being used by North County restaurants, juice bars and eager farmers market buyers. The farm is also a laboratory for teaching important work values and preparing people for re-entry into the workforce toward the end of accomplishing a worthwhile social purpose while also being a functioning business.

After acquiring a former two-acre nursery property, Solutions for Change, the parent organizations of Solutions Farms, undertook a major renovation that was facilitated by more than 3000 hours of volunteer support and more than $100,000 of in-kind donations. Old structures were removed, plumbing, electrical, and other essential infrastructure was installed, and in 10 weeks of remarkably intensive effort Solutions Farms was built. The farm opened with about 7,000 square feet of greenhouse space outfitted with fish tanks, grow beds, pumps and lights.

Discounted Seed Saver Tickets for the “Future Farm Field Trip” are available for a limited time so register now to join the tour of Solutions Farms and attend the upcoming 4th Annual Seedstock Sustainable Agriculture Conference by clicking on the link below:

http://seedstockconference.eventbrite.com

Confirmed Speakers:

Pierre Sleiman – Founder and CEO of Go Green Agriculture
Catt Fields White – CEO of SD Weekly Markets
Gus Schumacher – Founding Board Chair and Vice President of Wholesome Wave
Lauren Blacker – District Manager at Sodexo for Sharp HealthCare
N. Diane Moss – Executive Director of Project New Village
Milan Kluko – Founder and President at Green Spirit Farms
Ed Glebus – Associate Director and Executive Chef for SDSU Dining
Bob Harrington – President of Specialty Produce
Daron “Farmer D” Joffe – Director of Agricultural Innovation at Leichtag Foundation
Erik Oberholtzer – Co-founder of Tender Greens
Amy McCann – Co-founder and CEO of Local Food Marketplace
Robert Tse – State Broadband Coordinator for USDA CA-Rural Development
Anchi Mei – Senior Program Manager at International Rescue Committee (IRC)
Damian Valdez – Farmer at [email protected] Urban Farm