In a groundbreaking ceremony held on Thursday, May 16, 2024, the Andrew J. Young Foundation, in partnership with Forever Young Aquaponics and the Clayton County Board of Commissioners, marked the beginning of a revolutionary project in the heart of Clayton County, Georgia. The event celebrated the commencement of construction on a state-of-the-art, 70,000 sq ft aquaponics facility that promises to transform the local agricultural landscape and provide sustainable, organic leafy greens to nine major cities throughout the southeast.
Aquaponics, a cutting-edge farming method that integrates aquaculture and hydroponics, lies at the core of Forever Young Aquaponics' innovative approach. This self-sustaining ecosystem utilizes fish waste to fertilize plants, which in turn filter the water before it returns to the fish. The result is a highly efficient, environmentally responsible system that produces pesticide and chemical-free, USDA organic produce while maintaining a closed-loop system with no environmental discharge.
The Forever Young Aquaponics facility boasts an impressive array of benefits when compared to traditional farming methods. With a 48% lesser carbon footprint and a 92% reduction in water usage, the facility showcases its commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship. Despite its advanced technology and superior yield and quality, Forever Young Aquaponics ensures that its products remain competitively priced, making them accessible to a wide range of consumers.
The controlled environment and high-density growing techniques employed by Forever Young Aquaponics not only guarantee a consistent supply of fresh, healthy produce but also present a lucrative investment opportunity in the rapidly growing controlled environment agriculture sector. With production set to double after four years, the facility is poised for significant growth and impact in the years to come.
The groundbreaking ceremony brought together a diverse group of speakers and presenters, including Ambassador Andrew Young, Rawson Haverty of Forever Young Aquaponics, Gaurav Kumar of the Andrew Young Foundation, Clayton County Economic Development Officer Erica Rocker, Clayton County Commissioner Jeffrey Turner, and Clayton County COO Detrick Stanford. Their presence underscored the significance of this project and the collaborative effort required to bring it to fruition.
As construction commences on the Forever Young Aquaponics facility, the community eagerly anticipates the positive impact it will have on the local economy, job market, and access to fresh, sustainable produce. This groundbreaking project not only represents a significant step forward for Clayton County but also serves as a model for sustainable agriculture practices that prioritize innovation, community welfare, and environmental responsibility.
With its commitment to revolutionizing the agricultural landscape and providing healthy, accessible produce to the region, Forever Young Aquaponics is set to make a lasting impact on the future of farming. As the facility takes shape and begins operations, it will undoubtedly serve as a beacon of hope and progress, inspiring others to embrace sustainable practices and work towards a greener, more resilient future.
