International Congress on Hydroponics
(Congreso International de Hidroponia)

The International Congress on Hydroponics  (Congreso Internacional de Hidroponía) took place on March 28-30, 2007 at the Earth University, Guacimo, Limon, Costa Rica.  Congress organizer, Laura Perez, assembled a dynamic program that included speakers from around the world, each presenting information on new technologies, methods, research and information on the hydroponics industry.

This conference, co-sponsored by Corazon Verde and Earth University, was very well organized and offered a diverse mix of information.  There were attendees from North, Central and South America and speakers from nine different countries.  The Earth University campus provided a beautiful and interesting backdrop as well as comfortable accommodations.

World renown experts in hydroponics filled the program with presentations that ranged from plant nutrition to hydroponic forage crop production.  The speakers included Dr. Pedro Furlani, University of San Pablo, Brazil; Gloria Samperio Ruiz, president, Hydroponic Society of Mexico; Rosalia Columbia Gonzalez Bayon, University of Habana, Cuba; Freedy Soto Bravo, National University, Costa Rica; Miguel Urrestarazu Gavilan, University de Almeria, Spain; Luis Felipe Arauz Cavallini, University of Costa Rica; Alfredo Rodriquez Delfin, National University of Agriculture, La Molina, Peru; Dr. Howard M Resh, author, consultant, grower, Canada; Carlos R Arano, Buenos Aries; John S. Pade and I.

John S. Pade and Rebecca Nelson presented two sessions on aquaponics that included an introduction, concepts and applications, methods and designs.  Both sessions were well received and the information created a buzz of excitement over the possibilities of aquaponics.  To most of the conference attendees, the idea of aquaponics was new.  Numerous individuals pursued us outside of the presentation hall with follow up questions about applying aquaponics in their location and circumstances. 

In addition to the two presentations, Nelson and Pade also had a booth where we displayed a small “Desktop” aquaponic system and sold a variety of our books and videos, two of which are now available in Spanish.  A steady stream of conference attendees and students from Earth University stopped by our booth to learn more about aquaponics.  There were about 20 booths in total, each offering a variety of information, equipment and supplies.

The conference organizers are already planning for the 2nd International Conference on Hydroponics in Costa Rica, planned for 2009.   Visit:  www.corazonverdecr.com/ for developments and information. 

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