Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Anyone working with produce distribution? (especially in FL) I'm curious as to going rates for different types of aquaponic lettuce.

The USDA has market reports for your area. You can sign up for email reports on a weekly basis.

TCLynx sells produce online from her farm, but that's probably not the wholesale info you're looking for.

https://yalaha.locallygrown.net/market

_________________
800 gal sys 2016
IBC system 1/2015
simple flood & drain
5 growbeds

9 kW Solar Electric 2011

"Aquaponics...solar-powered nanotechnology that produces fresh vegetables and meat, while purifying water..." - Rick Op, Houston Texas.

Thanks guys, that is helpful.But I'm trying to weigh out if I should work with a distributor or try to sell myself via membership or farmers market, etc. I know more time is involved doing it myself but Im curious as to what produce distributors are paying farms for various lettuce

There are a few community sponsored agriculture (CSA) organic farms around here that do well. They ship monthly boxed goods for a subscription rate. There is a waiting list to get in. Again, probably not what you are looking for. It seems for a distributor you would have to have a large enough yield for them to market it out. I do know a person that is a produce wholesaler. I'll ask her if she has any insight.

What types of produce and in what volume do you anticipate?

_________________
800 gal sys 2016
IBC system 1/2015
simple flood & drain
5 growbeds

9 kW Solar Electric 2011

"Aquaponics...solar-powered nanotechnology that produces fresh vegetables and meat, while purifying water..." - Rick Op, Houston Texas.

We were looking to produce about 10 thousand heads of lettuce a month, butter lettuce and romain are the two of interest right now.

@Robsteele I know a produce wholesaler in southern California. She moves produce all over the US afaik. I don't have her contact info with me, but I will email her tonight and let you know what kind of response I can get.

_________________
800 gal sys 2016
IBC system 1/2015
simple flood & drain
5 growbeds

9 kW Solar Electric 2011

"Aquaponics...solar-powered nanotechnology that produces fresh vegetables and meat, while purifying water..." - Rick Op, Houston Texas.

Awesome! Very much appreciated!

So, not much useful information. My friend was speaking a different language regarding cutters, distributors, farmers and growing coops, etc. But overall the jist was that everyday lettuce prices have been very low for the past year. Much better money in organic produce but very difficult to establish distribution contacts as most of this produce is through contracts with growers and it is VERY difficult to sell direct to markets and get shelf space. Better to make contracts with restaurant suppliers that sell wholesale, or organic farms. Distributers are a dying breed as most markets have a supply chain and growing contracts with farmers - difficult to get in. Organic lettuce will sell at 3x the price of regular, but you must be certified and execute the periodic inspections of grow facilities, warehouse, distribution, etc. She recommended organic and finding restaurant suppliers in your area like SYSCO or similar.

_________________
800 gal sys 2016
IBC system 1/2015
simple flood & drain
5 growbeds

9 kW Solar Electric 2011

"Aquaponics...solar-powered nanotechnology that produces fresh vegetables and meat, while purifying water..." - Rick Op, Houston Texas.

Thank you very much, that is pretty much inline to our assumptions. Growing a premium (organic) product is only way to make a living off of lettuce. Appreciate you reaching out!