Article published in the
Hamakua Times, Volume 9 - 2 (#97)

Proposed Innovative Agriculture Center will Benefit
Hamakua District through Education, Jobs
by Rebecca L. Nelson

Terry Astro, president of Aurea, Inc. is planning to utilize his skills as a fish farmer and businessman to develop a high-tech, innovative farm project, the Aurea, Inc. Innovative Agriculture Technology Center, that will have many community benefits.  The 40-acre farm is in the Hamakua District and the plans for expansion and development include aquaculture, aquaponics, hydroponics and greenhouse growing for the purpose of commercial food production as well as agri-tourism, education and technology transfer.  

 Mr. Astro has contracted the services of Rebecca Nelson and John Pade, consultants in the aquaponics industry, to assist him with the design, planning, construction and training phases of this project.  

 Aquaculture is a very efficient means of raising fish that eliminates the pressure on natural fish populations and helps to fulfill the growing demand for healthful, safe and chemical-free food fish.  Terry Astro has developed specialized techniques that consistently produce high quality fish in an environmentally-friendly manor. 

Hydroponics is an efficient method of farming that uses soiless-growing systems to grow many types of plant crops.  The plants are fed a solution of water and all of the essential nutrients. 

Aquaponics is the combination of recirculating aquaculture and hydroponics.    In aquaponics, the fish waste provides the nutrients for the plants and the plants provide a natural filter for the water the fish live in.  This creates a mini ecosystem where both plants and fish can thrive.  Aquaponics is the ideal answer to a fish farmer’s problem of disposing of nutrient rich water and a hydroponic grower's need for nutrient rich water.   

A state-of-the-art greenhouse complex will house the integrated aquaponic growing systems, an agri-tourism technology showcase, a demonstration area and classroom for education and a packing area for the vegetables.  A stand-alone, outdoor aquaculture system will be used to raise large volumes of fresh water fish at densities up to ½ lb. of fish per gallon of water.   

Aurea, Inc. has been certified to raise tilapia, a hardy, fast-growing, freshwater fish that has become very popular as a food fish due to its mild flavor and flaky white meat.  The plant crops grown in the integrated systems will initially include fancy lettuces and common culinary herbs but the selection will likely expand with the addition of Asian herbs and greens, tomatoes, cucumbers and other fruiting crops.

All of the technologies that will be used at the Aurea, Inc. Innovative Agriculture Technology Center are sustainable, environmentally friendly, use substantially less water than traditional farming and eliminate the use of herbicides and pesticides; therefore, producing healthful, flavorful and safe food products.   

Mr. Astro is excited about working with Hamakua community members who will have involvement through job training, employment opportunities and education. 

The site for the greenhouse is now being prepared.  Stay tuned for information on the progress of this exciting project.  For more information, contact Terry Astro at 808-395-5733 or Rebecca Nelson at nelson@aquaponics.com.  To learn more about aquaponics, visit www.aquaponics.com

Learn more about Nelson/Pade's current projects

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