Help Repair AquaSprout Farm's Greenhouse

AquaSprout Farms was founded by my twin brother Keith and I in 2018, and it is a small family run aquaponics farm located right in Branchburg, NJ. Like many others we were hit hard by Hurricane Ida and need help to repair our greenhouse. We lost four water pumps and three water heaters, without which we cannot keep our fish healthy and warm in the cold months. We also lost a lot of seed and other grow supplies. Additionally, our custom vinyl liners were damaged and need to be replaced, which we'll need to have our system fully operational again. Since we lost all of our crops in the flood, we will be unable to produce and distribute fresh lettuce and produce for 2 - 3 months. This is why we are asking for donations up to $14,000 to cover these costs. Anything that can be contributed is greatly appreciated.

For some additional background, my brother and I decided to start an aquaponics farm because we wanted to start a business that is both beneficial to our local community and the environment.

For our community we are able to provide locally and organically grown leafy greens all year round. Thus providing our community with food security and purity.

And for the environment, by growing aquaponically, we use 90 % less water than traditional farming, we use 92 % less energy per square foot, and since our system is a closed loop system there is zero chance of run off.

As you can see growing aquaponically is a very green and sustainable way to grow.

Now that winter is coming we want to make sure we are running at 100%, so we can provide as many people as we can with our organically and locally grown produce all winter long!

For a more in-depth description of what aquaponics is please see below.

Aquaponics is the combination of recirculating aquaculture and Hydroponics. Both Fish and plants are grown in one body of water in a closed loop system. It is a method of farming requiring about 1/10th of the water and a fraction of the land used in conventional farming. The fish waste in aquaponics provides a source of nutrients for the plants. Beneficial bacteria convert the toxic fish waste into a form of nutrients usable by the plant. By the plants consuming the nutrient they are cleaning the water for the fish. As a result, Aquaponics solves the problem of large scale waste disposal and frequent water discharge and refilling that the aquaculture industries experiences. It also, eliminates the use of the expensive, nonorganic, manmade nutrients used in hydroponics. Unlike conventional farming chemical fertilizers/pesticides are not necessary, and therefore they are not used. This allows aquaponic farmers to grow truly organic produce to bring to the market.

For anyone who chooses to donate, or even considers donating, we thank you for your generosity and assistance. Your contribution will allow us to continue to provide sustainable, fresh and organically-grown produce to our local community year-round.

Sincere thanks!

Keith and Stephen Mitzak