Backyard Aquafarm’s  Demonstration of some Sustainable Backyard Farming Practices at the 2009 Del Mar County Fair

 We created the the “Harmony Farms” demonstration project specifically for the Del Mar Fair 2009.  It’s purpose was to introduce visitors to some sustainable backyard farming practices and to inspire them to begin growing healthy food for their families, friends, neighbors and even communities or at the least, purchase locally grown produce from our local farmers and farmer’s markets.

The  goals we hoped to accomplish in the “Harmony Farm” demo were :

• create a model that demonstrates how to grow  organic foods and transform you backyard into a productive, fun,  healthy environment that the whole family can take part in educate people about water conservation practices useful for backyard farming
• introduce visitors to the concept of backyard aquaponics specifically the  Portable Farms  tm Aquaponic System as a  viable way to provide healthy, good  tasting protein without  negatively impacting the environment
• demonstrate and discuss  permaculture concepts such as recycling organic wastes to improve soil health and water retention introduce gardeners to growing produce in our water conserving, self-watering Earth Tanks which we are in process of patenting
• plant a seed in our visitor’s minds which may cause them to question the value of buying tasteless, pesticide ridden produce grown in another state, country or even continent and get them thinking about growing their own food or at the very least, supporting our local farmers markets whose produce is almost always fresher, better tasting , healthier and contribute to our local economy. 

  The Outcome
We accomplished all of the above and more and our work was given the following awards:

•  Top Award: Paul Ecke Sr. Award
•  Sustainability Award
•  Pennsylvania Horticultural Society's "Distinguished Gardens Award",
• Excellence in Horticulture  "Best Expression of Garden "
• Edible Garden Award
• Environmental Award
• Pat Welsh Award "Best Garden for Children"
   

We were overwhelmed with the positive response to the demo and hundreds of visitors said it was one of the best , if not the best exhibit they have seen in years at the fair.  We provided info, ideas and solutions to folks that want to grow their own food while conserving water and enhancing their surroundings.

For pictures of the demo visit this link:

http://picasaweb.google.com/laurieroberts8/DelMarFairExhibitHarmony
FarmsDemonstrationOfBackyardAgricultureAndAquaponics?feat=directlink#