FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media contact: Ruth Ruiz, (714) 765-5060 office, (714) 420-7797 mobile
THE CITY OF ANAHEIM AND RENEWABLE FARMS PARTNER TO BUILD AN AQUAPONICS FARM
Renewable Farms initiates a Kickstarter campaign to turn this vision into a reality
ANAHEIM, Calif. (October 16, 2014) – The City of Anaheim is partnering with Renewable Farms to develop a food supply system for local non-profits and businesses, as well as develop a youth training and education program through an innovative agricultural program called Aquaponics.
This collaboration aligns with the City’s focus on “prevention” projects to expand life experiences and opportunities in the lives of the city’s older youth (ages 13-17).
Under the guidance of Renewable Farms, youth participating in Anaheim’s Project S.A.Y. (Support Anaheim’s Youth) will receive opportunities to learn employable skills, on-the-job training, hands-on education, and volunteer service. Renewable Farms will expand youth training and education to local schools, with the goal to serve 150 youth during a full one-year cycle. To support this valuable program, the City will provide a portion of land in central Anaheim for the Aquaponics Farm.
Aquaponics is a zero-waste food production system that integrates raising aquatic animals such as fish (aquaculture) with the practice of cultivating fruit, vegetables and herbs in water (hydroponics). This unique farming method uses fish waste from fish tanks to fertilize plants that are grown in gravel instead of dirt. After the plants have absorbed the nutrients, the water is looped back into the fish tank creating a zero- waste irrigation system that is both self –sustaining and environmentally friendly.
Established in 2008, Renewable Farms is a private company that works with individuals and businesses to grow food through this environmentally-friendly, sustainable agriculture with a farming concept. The company strives to help create opportunities through ecologically-responsible farms. In addition to the United States, Renewable Farms has successfully built Aquaponics farms in Mexico, Kenya, Chile, Thailand, and Haiti to help feed underprivileged populations.
This project will positively highlight an innovative method of raising crops while saving water and bring distinctive advantages to City of Anaheim residents. Anaheim residents and other individuals interested are invited to visit Anaheim Aquaponics Farm Kickstarter to get involved in the creation of this project.
For more information on the City of Anaheim, please visit www.anaheim.net.
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ABOUT ANAHEIM –The City of Anaheim, founded in 1857, is one of the nation’s premier municipalities and is one of California’s most populous cities. Anaheim covers 50 square miles with more than 346,000 residents and more than 2,900 City employees. The municipal corporation’s annual budget is $1.6 billion. Anaheim supports a thriving business community with companies such as Carl Karcher Enterprises, Inc., L-3 Communications, Pacific Sunwear, and Disneyland Resort. Successful sports franchises call Anaheim home, including Angels Baseball, Anaheim Ducks, the U.S. Men’s National Volleyball Team, and the 2012 Olympic Games Silver Medal winning U.S. Women’s National Volleyball Team. Anaheim also boasts world-class meeting and entertainment venues with the Anaheim Convention Center, LEED-certified and the largest on the west coast, Honda Center, City National Grove of Anaheim, Anaheim GardenWalk, and Angel Stadium of Anaheim. In addition, Anaheim embraces its vibrant cultural arts community, including the world-renowned Anaheim Ballet. Annually, Anaheim welcomes millions of visitors to the city, truly making it where the world comes to live, work and play. For more information, please visit www.anaheim.net.