Amy Falcone never expected a family trip out West would change the way she approached farming. But after dining on some fresh vegetables grown in an aquaponics greenhouse, she knew she had discovered something special. By 2017, Amy founded Bella Vita Farm in Brookeville, which combines 103 acres of traditional outdoor growing with innovative aquaponic farming.
“We actually have both indoor and outdoor growing,” Amy says. “The aquaponics is year-round, and we like the closed system and the sustainability of it.” In the aquaponics portion of the farm, Amy now produces lettuce varieties, kale and aromatic herbs, like basil and parsley. These are all grown without soil and with 90% less water than conventional farming methods.
What is aquaponic farming? It’s like combining a fish tank with a garden. The fish produce waste in the water, which naturally turns into nutrients that plants need to grow. Instead of throwing that water away, it’s pumped to the plants, which clean it by absorbing the nutrients. The clean water then cycles back to the fish, and the process repeats. It’s a closed-loop system where fish and plants help each other thrive, using less water and no chemical fertilizers.
“Since the water that is used for growing the plants is circulated to the fish, there isn’t the use of harmful chemicals or pesticides as they would potentially harm or kill the fish that provide the nutrients,” she says.
The secret of aquaponic farming lies in harvest timing and nutrient availability. Bella Vita Farm harvests produce only when a customer places an order. Amy says that this is to ensure maximum freshness. The constant supply of natural nutrients from fish waste is believed to enhance the plant’s vitamin and mineral content, though Amy focuses more on what she can taste than lab measurements. “I think our products taste just as good as traditional growing methods,” she says. “I have become a lettuce snob due to its freshness and flavor.”
At Bella Vita Farm, Amy grows Rouxai red oak, Batavia and green butter lettuces alongside Starbor kale. Her favorite way to enjoy the harvest? “Sometimes less is more. I enjoy a mix of lettuce and kale in a simple salad with a lemon vinaigrette dressing,” she says.
Although producing fresh produce, aquaponic farming sometimes faces skepticism. “I have had people say that it isn’t real farming,” Amy adds. “I just say, but it is real food!”
Hungry for more? Read about hydroponically grown produce. Learn more about another farm that uses aquaponic farming.
