The Sustainable Potential Development of Aquaponics in Portugal: An Exploratory Study on the Stakeholders Perceptions

Abstract

Aquaponics is an agricultural practice recognized as innovative and sustainable by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations. Aquaponics is experiencing a period of rapid interest by the scientific community, public decision-makers, start-ups and new generation of farmers and businessmen. In the United States, aquaponics vegetables products can be certified as organic, since 2008. In Europe, the first start-ups are just taking the first steps of industrial production. The COST Action FA 1305 allowed the development of a European Hub of aquaponics. Regarding the Portuguese market, the coverage of aquaponics by the media and broadcast has been intensive, as well as the scientific and public debate stimulated by the field. However, the socio-economic and institutional problems concerning to the commercial development of Portuguese aquaponics products remains unsolved. This study tries to overcome this gap and offers recommendations on how to promote the development of commercial aquaponics in Portugal. The methods include the qualitative analysis of interviews directed to the main stakeholders in aquaponics in Portugal. The results confirm problems at an institutional level that difficult the development of aquaponics in the Portuguese market. Yet, results seem to indicate that local decision-makers, entrepreneurs and few young farmers are very motivated to develop aquaponics in the Portuguese market. Therefore, we recommend more attention from public decision-makers to solve the main institutional restrictions of this innovative and sustainable activity.