Looking to 2025 and Beyond: Aquaponics
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Aquaponics is a growing segment of the controlled environment agriculture (CEA) industry. While they date back to ancient civilizations, aquaponic systems didn’t become a modern part of production until the 1970s and ’80s. Plenty of aquaculture research has been done in the past 50 years, though many challenges and opportunities for growth face this part of the industry.

Molly Stanek
We spoke with Molly Stanek, executive director of the Aquaponics Association, and Tracy Nazzaro, president and general manager of Traders Hill Farm in Hilliard, Florida, to get their outlook on aquaponics now and how it will look in the next three to five years.
CEAg World: Where do you see the CEA industry going in the next three to five years?
Molly Stanek: In the next few years, the CEA industry is poised for both growth and a period of recalibration, shaped by today’s economic realities and the lessons learned from recent challenges. I see a few pressures that will shape the field as it continues to develop:
- Economic headwinds and funding constraints
- Greenhouse expansion with the “right tech” focus
- Labor cost and efficiency pressures
- Energy demand and resource efficiency
- Climate and sustainability
Tracy Nazzaro: The industry will continue to expand, particularly with the entrenched players who are well capitalized. I believe small- and mid-size companies that have solid operating history will be in a position to be acquired or merge with like-size companies. It is very difficult to be a mid-size player in almost any industry, and the same holds true for CEA.
CEAg World: What is the most significant issue you see facing aquaponics right now?
Molly Stanek: One of the biggest challenges in aquaponics today is the limited availability of specialized expertise. Aquaponics requires a unique blend of skills in both aquaculture and horticulture as well as wastewater treatment, which can be difficult to find and cultivate. This scarcity of experienced talent constrains innovation and limits the number of operators who can successfully manage and scale these complex systems. Without a strong knowledge base, it’s harder for operators to optimize system performance or pursue new, efficient methods that could drive the industry forward.

Tracy Nazzaro
Tracy Nazzaro: Aquaponics is very tough to scale commercially, in particular for growers who want to specialize in crops outside of the lettuce and herb verticals. The notion that fish will be a significant revenue source has not held true for me, and operators who insist on a 50/50 model of fish and plants will be disappointed. For the CEA industry as a whole to grow more, cash infusion is required both for investment in capital assets and operating capital. The conventional agriculture industry requires significant volume to get to profitability and CEA is the same. Additional assets are required so producers can grow volume.
CEAg World: What is the most significant opportunity you see for aquaponics right now?
Molly Stanek: The most promising opportunity in aquaponics is in integrating sustainable, closed-loop systems into urban farming and community-based food production. Aquaponic farms can appeal strongly to consumers and communities focused on sustainability, local food sovereignty, and education. I see a few areas for enthusiasts to focus:
- Community-based projects and educational programs
- Specialized crop production for high-value markets
- Capitalizing on the “local, fresh, and sustainable” narrative
Tracy Nazzaro: Traditional aquaponics is generally more well suited to small-scale production. The opportunity is available for growers that focus on vegetable production while using fish that are most suitable to their climate. Minimizing the operating expense for the aquaculture operation is key for large-scale production.
CEAg World: Is there anything specific you’d like to share about your organization and its plans for 2025?
Molly Stanek: I’m thrilled to announce that the Aquaponics Association will be holding our annual conference just outside of Washington, D.C., in College Park, Maryland, in the fall of 2025. This event will bring together researchers, innovators, and enthusiasts from across the industry to share insights, explore new advancements, and shape the future of aquaponics. It’s an excellent opportunity for networking, learning, and building connections that can help drive aquaponics forward.
Tracy Nazzaro: We are planning to expand both our aquaponic and hydroponic growing spaces. We currently distribute to 11 school districts in Florida and Georgia, with plans to bring on another six districts in Georgia before Thanksgiving. We’re excited to expand our offerings to schools through our distributor partners in 2025, along with expanding our higher education program to colleges and universities. It makes my heart happy to serve healthy food to our scholars, teachers, faculty, and staff.