A Growing Enterprise

Originally published August 1, 2025 in Ruralite: https://www.ruralite.com/a-growing-enterprise/

Article by Ginger Meurer

Farmers embrace hydroponic and aquaponic systems to cultivate fresh produce year-round

While the Pacific Northwest is home to many traditional farms scattered across the countryside, some entrepreneurs are finding new paths to planting, using hydroponic technology—which relies on nutrient-rich water solutions instead of soil—to grow food year-round in greenhouses and even warehouses.

A few are taking the process a step further with aquaponic systems that raise greens and fish in a shared system that mimics natural streams.