About us

Our mission

Our mission is to extend our innovative farming solutions to individuals, schools, and communities, empowering them with the tools and knowledge to cultivate their own abundant harvests of fresh produce and raise fish, regardless of geographical constraints or resource limitations.

Our Vision

Our vision at Vida Aquaponics is to foster a world where sustainable agriculture thrives, where every community has access to fresh, locally-grown produce, and where the harmony between nature and technology creates bountiful, resilient ecosystems. No matter the size of the property, we aspire to lead the way in revolutionizing at-home food production in Antigua, inspiring a movement towards healthier, more sustainable living.

History of Vida Aquaponics

Vida Aquaponics, founded by Bernardo Betances Rubio, emerged from a practical need for fresh produce in an environment where traditional soil-based farming was challenging. In his area, soil conditions were either too dry or too wet, causing plants to spoil and making it nearly impossible to maintain a reliable source of fresh produce. This struggle led Bernardo to explore alternative farming methods, eventually steering him towards aquaponics.

Initial Exploration and Challenges

His journey into aquaponics began with an online search for solutions. He discovered Indies Green, a local company in the early stages of developing an aquaponic system. This discovery spurred him into further research, and he was soon immersed in various online resources, studying different aquaponic systems. Building his first system was a trial-and-error process that took three years to achieve functional results. The initial designs he found online were plagued with maintenance issues, including clogging, ant infestations, and difficulties in managing excess production. These systems required too much upkeep due to poor functionality, ultimately forcing him to halt operations for two years.

Innovation and Improvement

Undeterred, Bernardo used this period of inactivity to analyze the problems and refine his approach. He identified the main issues—clogging and inefficient filtering of fish waste—and began developing his own design, focusing on creating a system that was both functional and required minimal maintenance. After significant experimentation and adjustments, he succeeded in creating a reliable aquaponic system.

Support and Expansion

Further breakthrough came with support from the Blue Economy initiative, led at the time by Dean Jonas, the Minister for Social Transformation. Dean Jonas visited his house, observed the functioning system, and decided to offer support. This backing was crucial, as it provided access to better materials, including high-quality tanks, air pumps, and bed liners. Projects undertaken by the Blue Economy fall under the Ministry of Social Transformation, which significantly increased the exposure of Bernardo’s system. This exposure and the secured support attained from the British High Commissioner to Antigua, led to various projects, one of which is the ongoing construction of an aquaponic system at the government disability center.

Legacy and Vision

The first aquaponic system Bernardo built has been operational for 12 years, standing as a testament to his dedication and innovation. Today, Vida Aquaponics is not just a solution for fresh produce but a model for sustainable agriculture in Antigua. The vision is to inspire healthier, more sustainable living by revolutionizing at-home food production, demonstrating that with the right approach and support, efficient and low-maintenance aquaponic systems can thrive, no matter the size of the property