Aquaponics relies on the relationship between fish, whose waste feeds the plants, and plants, whose digestive process purifies the water.

Kizzy Cox

Aquaponics relies on the relationship between fish, whose waste feeds the plants, and plants, whose digestive process purifies the water.

When Yemi Amu and Jonathan Boe created Oko Farms in Bushwick Brooklyn, their goal was simple: make healthy food accessible to everyone. Three years later that goal is becoming a reality, but transforming a grungy, garbage-strewn lot into a successful aquaponics farm wasn’t easy.

For one thing, few people even know what aquaponics is.

Yet Amu is determined to not only educate people about aquaponics and sustainable food, she hopes to inspire other young people of color to flex their green thumbs as well. Check out the video to learn more about aquaponics, what they’ve learned from growing food in the heart of Brooklyn and the important piece of advice they have for prospective urban farmers.

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City Limits’ coverage of food policy is supported by the Laurie M. Tisch Illumination Fund. Read the other stories in our CityPlate series.