AquaFarm 2025 is set to take place from February 12–13 in Pordenone, Italy, bringing together a diverse group of individuals including researchers, industry leaders, and farmers to engage in discussions surrounding innovations that aim to strike a balance between food production and environmental conservation. The conference will kick off with a session titled “Aquaculture for the Planet,” focusing on the importance of coexisting with marine ecosystems. One of the key highlights of the event will be the Andalusian Livestock Farmers’ Association’s proposal to designate the Bay of Cadiz as the first Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System (GIAHS) for aquaculture, underscoring the significance of tradition and community connections.
Energy efficiency will be a central theme at AquaFarm 2025, with discussions centered around cutting-edge innovations such as biogas production from aquaculture by-products and the implementation of floating photovoltaic systems to reduce energy expenses for land-based farms. Renowned sustainable agrivoltaics leader Alessandra Scognamiglio will be on hand to showcase renewable energy solutions. Additionally, companies like Nutritech will be showcasing fully autonomous aquaponic systems that are powered by renewable energy sources and artificial intelligence, allowing for the efficient management of both fish and vegetable farming operations.
Another significant focus of the conference will be on integrated multitrophic aquaculture (IMTA), a method that involves cultivating multiple species within the same ecosystem to leverage the waste produced by one species for the benefit of another. The event’s closing session will place a spotlight on circularity, exploring the reuse of fish waste in feed production and delving into innovative protein sources such as insect larvae and microbes.
Innovative projects like CircularRainbow, which focuses on closed-system trout farming to maximize water recirculation while generating biogas from waste, will be featured at AquaFarm 2025. The University of Padua will also be showcasing vertical haloponics, a groundbreaking approach that combines hydroponics, vertical farming, and aquaponics in brackish water environments. This method involves using salt-tolerant plants to feed shrimp while repurposing sludge as biofertilizer and utilizing earthworms as a source of shrimp feed.
For those interested in attending the conference or learning more about AquaFarm 2025, registration and additional information can be found on the event’s official website.
Overall, AquaFarm 2025 promises to be an enlightening and forward-thinking event that will provide attendees with valuable insights into the latest developments in aquaculture, energy efficiency, and sustainable farming practices. By bringing together experts from various fields, the conference aims to foster collaboration and innovation that will drive the industry towards a more environmentally conscious and socially responsible future.
