3-MONTH FARM TRAINING

The Oko Farms Aquaponics Training Program is NYC’s only farm training initiative dedicated to both aspiring and seasoned growers. This engaging three-month program immerses participants in aquaponics, an ancient approach to agriculture that merges plant cultivation with fish farming. This integrated approach to farming provides a distinctive learning experience for beginning farmers and strengthens the skills of established growers. 

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Participants will explore various facets of aquaponics, including:

- Microbiology

- Aquaculture

- Soilless plant cultivation

- Water quality parameters

- System design

- Small farm planning for urban and rural environments

The curriculum features hands-on experiential learning alongside formal lectures, engaging videos, and comprehensive reading materials.

PROGRAM GOALS

Oko Farms strives to ensure that participants exit the program with a strong foundation in Aquaponics System operation, design, and build. There is a strong emphasis on aquaponics as an ecosystem management approach to food cultivation. Trainees will leave with the skills to develop and maintain sustainable aquaponics operations of various sizes along with the capacity to engage the public and train others on diverse topics relating to aquaponics, fish welfare, and ecosystem sustainability.

Who Should Join

This program is ideal for:

- Aspiring farmers

- Professional farmers

- Farm educators

Importantly, no prior experience in aquaponics is required to enroll.

Requirements

To participate, you need:

- A commitment to complete the full program

- A willingness to engage with the community and share knowledge with others

- An open mind and flexibility to adapt to various tasks throughout the training

PROGRAM FEE: $2500

**NOTE: Payment by monthly installment available. Email jess@okofarms for more information.

DURATION AND COMMITMENT:  3 months; 10-16 hours/week 

August - October ( Saturday)

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PROGRAM COMPONENTS:

FORMAL WORKSHOPS -

Trainees will receive formal workshops in topics that include, but are not limited to: aquaponics systems hardware, technology, and design; educational applications for aquaponics; water quality dynamics; record keeping; botany; crop planning, fish biology, welfare, selection, and nutrition; disease management; and best practices.

AQUAPONICS INSTALLATION + DESIGN -

Trainees will learn all aspects of building an aquaponics system from the ground up, from materials selection to final construction. 

YOUTH AND COMMUNITY EDUCATION -

Sustainable urban aquaculture via aquaponics is a relatively new practice to many people, particularly New York City residents. Trainees will participate in guided farm tours aimed at school groups and community members to increase their ability to speak comfortably about Aquaponics farming

HANDS-ON FARM WORK -

Trainees will participate in a variety of farm-related tasks to enhance their educational experience and empower them with skills to run their operations. These activities allow trainees to experience firsthand the subjects covered in the lecture: seed starting and transplanting; caring for livestock; pest and disease management (for livestock and plants); aquaponics hardware monitoring and maintenance; composting; harvesting, sorting and produce sales/donation.