ARC FARMS

ARC Farms, located in the Bahamas, operates as the Aquaponic Research Center (ARC) at Blue Fields Farms, focusing on sustainable food production through aquaponics. This method addresses the agricultural challenges of small island nations that often have limited freshwater and infertile, limestone-based soil. Aquaponics combines aquaculture (fish farming) and hydroponics (soilless plant cultivation) into a symbiotic, closed-loop system. Fish waste provides a natural fertilizer for the plants, which in turn filter and clean the water for the fish.

The company's history shows a phased development, starting with a small-scale proof of concept in 2010. By 2013, it had constructed a 3,000-square-foot research greenhouse, leading to commercial production and sales under the Blue Fields Farm brand by 2014. Operations expanded with an additional 6,000-square-foot greenhouse in 2015 and the purchase of the 5-acre Goodfellow Farms property in 2018. A significant milestone was the completion of a 25,000-square-foot greenhouse in 2019, bringing their total commercial production area to 35,000 square feet.

ARC Farms serves both retail and wholesale markets, supplying fresh produce like living herbs to supermarkets, hotels, and restaurants. The business model is centered on providing locally grown, fresh produce to reduce the Bahamas' heavy reliance on imported food, which currently accounts for 90% of its supply. The system is designed to be a cost-effective and bio-friendly alternative to mass farming. It leverages natural processes, where fish waste is converted into nitrates that plants absorb for growth. While the system is largely self-sustaining, it is supplemented with external water from rain or wells and augmented fish feed, with sunlight powering the necessary pumps and system controls.

Keywords: aquaponics, sustainable agriculture, food security, Bahamas agriculture, hydroponics, aquaculture, closed-loop farming, local produce, greenhouse farming, island nation agriculture, Blue Fields Farm, soil-less cultivation, commercial aquaponics, sustainable food systems, water conservation, fresh herbs, hotel food supply, restaurant produce supplier, supermarket supplier, import reduction