Nate Downey is a self-styled "aquaponics evangelical." The food production system pairs raising fish with crop cultivation: Nutrient-rich aquaculture water from fish tanks feeds hydroponically grown plants.
Downey's particular fascination with the growing method took off several years ago, prompting him to enroll in classes at Santa Fe Community College and start attending a weekly hangout known as "aquaponics anonymous."
Downey's giving extended well beyond his coursework as an intern at the college. The school's Controlled Environment Agriculture Program is focused on crop production and research rather than distribution.
Downey is being recognized as one of The New Mexican's 10 Who Made a Difference for 2024 — not for his aquaponic evangelism, but for delivering thousands of free, aquaponics-grown heads of lettuce to Santa Fe families and students.
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