Startup Profile: Milwaukee-based Aquaponic Farm Thrives in Converted Industrial Space

September 22, 2011 | Marie DeMange

In 2008, Josh Fraundor and Jim Godsil co-founded Sweet Water Organics, a for-profit organic fish and vegetable farm built inside a former crane manufacturing building. Located in the Bay View area of Milwaukee, this urban agriculture business uses a sustainable aquaponics system to raise approximately 35,000 Perch and 20,000 Tilapia, and produce a variety of leafy greens. Along with its aquaponics system, Sweet Water has integrated an outdoor greenhouse operation to provide additional organic produce to the local market.  Read More

Startup Profile: Regional Staple Foods Enterprise Aims to Make a World of Difference

September 14, 2011 | Marie DeMange

“I’ve always been interested in making the world a better place,” remarks Michelle Ajamian, co-owner, of Shagbark Seed and Mill Co., a processing facility in Southeast Ohio that works with regional farmers to produce, process and market uncommon varieties of beans and grains from chemical free, sustainably grown crops.

For four years, fueled by a mutual passion to establish food security and nurture a healthy community economy, Ajamian and her partner Brandon Jaeger have worked hand-in-hand to create a successful model for regional staple foods production. Read More