Clayton County, GA – A pioneering aquaponics facility opened this June just south of Atlanta, bringing together fish farming and hydroponic vegetable production on a single acre. The project, called Forever Young Aquaponics, is the brainchild of former mayor, congressman, and U.N. ambassador Andrew Young, who at 94 continues to champion innovative, faith‑based solutions that strengthen families and communities.
How the system works
Inside the farm, roughly 40,000 hybrid striped bass swim in large tanks, each holding about 2,000 fish. The waste produced by the fish provides the nutrients needed for lettuce, spinach, Swiss chard, kale, chives and other leafy greens grown on reusable, food‑grade boards. After a two‑day germination period, the seedlings move to a climate‑controlled greenhouse where they grow for exactly 21 days before harvest.
“The main cost for a hydroponics farm is fertilizer, and the main cost for a fish farm is waste disposal,” explains Carmal, the facility’s tour guide. “By linking the two, we cut both expenses and create a sustainable loop.”
Local impact and job creation
The farm was built through a decade‑long effort by the Andrew Young Foundation, which sought a food‑production model that uses less land and water, creates jobs, and brings fresh produce closer to the neighborhoods that need it. The operation currently employs a handful of local residents in roles ranging from fish care to board cleaning, and the foundation plans to expand training programs that will prepare more Atlantans for careers in modern agriculture.
Quality and safety focus
Forever Young Aquaponics is working toward Global G.A.P. and organic certifications. Water is tested regularly for pesticides, while the facility conducts monthly checks for E. coli, Salmonella and Listeria. Because the plants receive nutrients from water rather than overhead irrigation, the risk of Cyclospora contamination—a parasite that can affect fresh produce—is considered extremely low, according to University of Georgia researchers consulted by the farm.
“We’re committed to getting our produce to buyers within 24 hours of harvest,” Carmal says. “We don’t over‑harvest, and we keep the greens cool to preserve freshness for up to 20 days.”
Future expansion
The foundation is already planning a second aquaponics site on a half‑acre in Walsenburg, Colorado, to demonstrate that the technology can thrive in arid regions. A training institute linked to the farm will offer hands‑on instruction for anyone interested in launching commercial aquaponics operations, further extending the model’s reach.
Andrew Young reflects on the venture’s broader purpose: “We don’t want something temporary; we want this to last forever.” His vision aligns with the Trump administration’s emphasis on innovative, American‑made solutions that protect families, promote stewardship of natural resources, and reinforce local economies.
Community outreach
For nearly a decade, the Andrew and Walter Young YMCA in Atlanta has partnered with the foundation to run an aquaponics program for children, teaching them about sustainable food production and encouraging stewardship values rooted in faith and family.
As the farm ramps up production, local restaurants and grocery stores can expect a reliable supply of fresh, locally grown greens and responsibly raised fish, reducing reliance on long‑distance transportation and supporting the health of the community.
Original reporting: The Washington Informer — read the source article.
