Aquaponics/Aquaculture Boot Camp will train participants to become aqua-farmers as part of a one-year program that includes online, classroom, and field training paired with mentoring from some of the industry’s top leaders. Graduates will have the knowledge and hands-on experience to successfully operate an aquaponics or aquaculture operation. ABC is coming to Ohio in 2025-2026. (Additional programs include Kentucky in 2025 and West Virginia in 2026-2027).
Apply to be a part of ABC-3
Fill out an online application
It is reccomended you use the online application. If you complete the fillable PDF instead, complete the application and save it to your computer or mobile device. Then either attach the completed application to an email to Bradford Sherman (sherman.1473@osu.edu) or to mail it to:
ABC-3
The Ohio State University South Centers
1864 Shyville Road
Piketon, OH 45661
The long-term goal of the ABC program is to utilize "3-I" levels (Intensive, Intermediate, Introductory), 3 areas (aquaponics, aquaculture, and related business and marketing) and 3 types (hands-on, classroom/mentoring, and internet/webinar) of integrated training and multi-faceted approach, paired with mentoring of industry professionals and previous aquaculture bootcamp participants, to enhance the sustainability of limited-resource new and beginning aqua-farmers and to assist them to overcome challenges in the Appalachian region. This will be accomplished through the development and delivery of a multi-phase program in which new and limited-resource aquaponic/aquaculture farmers with different knowledge levels gain classroom and hands-on individual and group training. The training will include new skills and innovations required to own and operate an aquaponic farm sustainably and successfully. The specific goals of the project, led by The Ohio State University, will be achieved through collaborations of universities, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), community-based organizations (CBOs), and aquaponics/aquaculture farms.
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Intensive educational experience includes:
- 12 one-day training sessions held the second Saturday of each month (Oct. 2025 – Sept. 2026).
- Registration (ABC-funded) for the 2026 Ohio Aquaculture Conference.
- An Aquaculture Bus Tour of Aquafarms.
- Relevant assignments to support learning between sessions.
Need-to-know:
- This program is FREE for accepted applicants.
- Participants learn aquaponics and aquaculture production, business planning, and marketing.
- Learning is supported in online and onsite environments.
- Instructors consist of college and university educators, government specialists, business professionals, and experienced aqua-producers.
- To graduate, program participants agree to attend at least 8 of the 12 monthly sessions, the annual aquaculture conference, and the bus tour.
- Most activities are on Saturdays, lunch will be provided.
Selection Process
The following will be considered in selecting process:
- Internet access, land, a pilot aquaponics/aquaculture operation, years in production, previous workshops attended, and capital available.
- Interest and willingness to commit the necessary time, energy, and finances to the program.
- Ability to participate meaningfully in academic seminars, outside reading, written assignments, and through self-expression.
- The applicant will support and abide by all policies, rules and regulations of the ABC program.
Previous Aquaponics/Aquaculture Boot Camps
| ABC-1 | ABC-2 |