Day 10 – MOA Interns Aguaponics Experience by Emerald David

The Ministry of Agriculture Internship Programme continues to offer its participants hands-on experiences in various aspects within the Agricultural Sector. Today’s activity was quite interactive and informative. The Interns traveled to the east of the island to Lincoln Farm, a thriving Aquaponics facility located in Newfield Village. The Farm is owned and operated by the Mr. Wayne Gardner and his daughter Ms. Avynia Gardner alongside their hardworking team.

Ms. Gardner gave insight into the operation of the business and engaged the participants by asking trivia questions to drive her points home about the exciting world of Aquaponics. The business initially started as a small family crop farm and has transformed and expanded throughout the years to the business it is today. With capacity to produce over 5000 lettuce weekly.

During the tour, the interns explored the designated area that housed the Tilapia fish and were fortunate enough to feed them. Ms. Gardner indicated that tilapia was chosen because they are the best species of fish for aquaponics as a result of their vast amount of waste they produce.

The crops that are cultivated on Lincoln Farm are red leaf lettuce, green leaf lettuce and romaine lettuce. During slow periods other crops are cultivated such as Chinese Cabbage and Herbs.

The interns also got the opportunity to tour the Greenhouse which comprised of vasts areas of lettuce in various stages of growth. They used this opportunity to ask questions and learn as much as they could in relation to the process. Furthermore, the interns were split into two teams. The first team had the task of harvesting lettuce and fulfilling customer orders, while the second team cleaned the Nutrient Filtered Technique (NFT) System and assisted in replanting lettuce seedlings.

Ms. Gardner’s final words of encouragement for participants were to be more involved in the sector and do not procrastinate. No matter how small your idea may be, it can have a great impact on our sector here in Antigua and Barbuda.