In the heart of Midtown Memphis, a revolutionary approach to farming is taking root. New Way Aquaponic Farms, established in 2017, is leading the charge in sustainable agriculture, offering a glimpse into the future of food production. This innovative teaching, learning, and production farm is not just growing food; it's cultivating knowledge, sustainability, and community engagement.

The Aquaponics Revolution

New Way Aquaponic Farms specializes in aquaponics, a cutting-edge farming method that combines aquaculture (fish farming) with hydroponics (soilless plant cultivation) in a closed-loop system. This sustainable approach uses only 10% of the water required in conventional farming methods, making it an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional agriculture.

The farm's founder, driven by curiosity about food origins and sustainable protein sources, discovered aquaponics as the answer to environmentally conscious farming. This method not only produces both vegetables and protein but also serves as a practical application of STEM concepts.

Educational Impact

At its core, New Way Aquaponic Farms is an educational institution. The farm offers hands-on learning experiences that integrate science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) concepts. Through partnerships with schools and homeschoolers, the farm provides programs that teach practical applications of these subjects through aquaponics.

The farm features indoor demonstration grow rooms and a conference space for formal presentations. Additionally, culinary demonstrations by chefs showcase the farm-to-table concept, bridging the gap between production and consumption.

Industry Trends and Market Growth

The aquaponics industry is experiencing significant growth globally. According to recent market analyses, the global aquaponics market size was estimated at USD 1.09 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 13.5% from 2025 to 2030. This growth is driven by increasing demand for sustainable and organic food sources, especially in urban areas where space and resources are limited.

Key factors contributing to the industry's expansion include:

1. Rising awareness of organic food consumption
2. Growing demand for sustainable agriculture
3. Water scarcity issues driving adoption of water-efficient farming methods
4. Increasing urbanization expanding the market for urban farming solutions
5. Integration of AI and IoT in aquaponics systems driving innovation and efficiency

Community Impact and Future Plans

New Way Aquaponic Farms is not just a business; it's a community asset. The farm's commitment to education and sustainability has earned it recognition, including the 2019 Best Management Practice and Farmer of the Year award from the TSU Cooperative Extension Service.

Looking to the future, New Way Aquaponic Farms plans to expand with a 3,000 sq ft greenhouse. This expansion will allow the farm to supply local restaurants, specialty markets, and retail consumers, while also contributing to efforts to alleviate food insecurity in Shelby County.

Join the Aquaponics Movement

For those interested in exploring aquaponics, New Way Farms offers an "Aquaponics 101" orientation session. This 1.5 to 2-hour introduction provides insights into what it takes to become a home or student aquaponics farmer.

As Memphis continues to grow and evolve, New Way Aquaponic Farms stands as a beacon of innovation, education, and sustainability. By embracing this forward-thinking approach to agriculture, our city is positioning itself at the forefront of a global movement towards more sustainable and efficient food production methods.

To learn more about New Way Aquaponic Farms or to schedule a visit, contact them at (901) 314-3396 or visit their location at 1319 Heistan Place, Memphis, TN 38104. Join the aquaponics revolution and be part of shaping a more sustainable future for Memphis and beyond.