As a center of water-efficient systems and manufacturing, Milwaukee, WI, now has the opportunity to become a leader in aquaponic farming, according to a recent report.
This past summer, IBM’s smarter cities team spent three weeks visiting and researching the city’s capabilities. Milwaukee had been chosen as one of 24 high-potential cities to receive expertise at no cost. Cities were chosen based on opportunities to increase quality of life in either water, energy, health care, transportation, communication or social services.
The goal was to provide collaboration among agencies and sectors, and then provide information for decision makers to evaluate opportunities.
One of the largest areas of opportunity is in growing healthy food via urban aquaponic agriculture. Already, Sweet Water Organics, Natural Green Farms, and non-profit Growing Power, are utilizing abandoned factories to generate food and jobs.
The IBM report recommended forming an Urban Agriculture and Aquaponics Council to share knowledge and successes among commercial, public and non-profit enterprises. Additionally it suggested utilizing colleges and universities in the area to help develop technology and skills. The city should consider providing low-cost leases of city owned property as well as grant money and new tax policies.
Ultimately, the report concluded Milwaukee has the opportunity to influence the world food supply chain.
The original coverage can be found here, as can IBM’s executive summary on Milwaukee. The full report is also available (32 pages).
Among the companies and organizations mentioned in this article: