Meet Steve Stein, Nathalie Ane, and Jason Licamele of Sustainable Integrated Farms International (SIFarmsintl)

Today we’d like to introduce you to Steve Stein, Nathalie Ane and Jason Licamele.

Steve, Nathalie and Jason, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
“We grow fish that help grow plants which help feed people”. We felt a common thread among us (partners) in the importance for implementing sustainable agricultural practices to conserve our environmental resources and reduce environmental impacts associated with conventional farming methods. We felt equally passionate about being part of the solution in finding ways to help families who are struggling with poverty and food insecurity in our own back yard here in the US. We are both passionate about promoting health and wellness to ensure future generations will be healthier than the population today. With the guidance of our consultant Dr. Licamele from Fish Farmacy LLC, we implemented a self-sustaining aquaponics system to produce fresh fish and vegetables here in the desert. We grow fish that help grow plants which help feed people. As a result, Sustainable Integrated Farms (SIF) was born as an eco-conscious, integrated food technology company producing premium quality nutritious foods that are environmentally and economically sustainable. The system produces organic, non GMO, pesticide and antibiotic free microgreens, vegetable crops, fruits and herbs.

Has it been a smooth road?
Funding of course. A commercial scale operation requires a variety of equipment, products, greenhouses, pumps, and labor costs which quickly can add up to thousands…hundreds of thousands of dollars. Then there’s the challenge of finding what will thrive in this climate and in these conditions. Not to mention the battle with various farming insects who also want to get a taste. Additionally, finding the right market for the products can be quite challenging. Not everyone understands sustainability and fewer still know about hydroponically or aquaponically grown microgreens and produce and how to use them in recipes. It takes passion to be in this business and lots of perseverance. Every day is a new challenge… many of which, you cannot even anticipate. But when people “get it” and appreciate the beauty, taste and nutritional value of our products… and realize that this farming practice has the potential to revitalize communities suffering from drought or economic hardship and can empower people to take action and feed themselves, then it becomes very rewarding. As is the realization that what you are doing creates a smaller ecological footprint… then it all makes sense and it is worth it. This type of aquaponic farming is the most environmentally friendly farming methods available in that it utilizes water, fertilizers, land and energy efficiently. We recycle our water and retain the nutrients in the system this having minimal environmental impact when compared to other farming methods.

So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Sustainable Integrated Farms International (SIFarmsintl) story. Tell us more about the business.
SIFarm’s goal is to produce consistent quality organically grown fresh fish and produce for consumption within defined specific markets using environmentally friendly sustainable practices. To be an educational resource for AZ students studying sustainable agriculture and to be a destination for the curious and like-minded individuals who see the benefits of hydroponics and aquaponics. Additionally, it has been a goal and priority of ours to see a portion of both products and proceeds go to hunger programs. Today, more than ever we are committed to providing quality food to families despite their economic circumstances and to date we have successfully grown and donated more than 1,000 lbs of herbs, lettuce and up to 30 different varieties of organic greens to feed the homeless. Proudest moments SIF is able to produce consistent, fresh, premium quality local fish, herbs and microgreens to some of the most exclusive restaurants, catering companies, resorts and private chefs in the phoenix metropolitan area.

What has been the proudest moment of your career so far?
SIF is able to produce consistent, fresh, premium quality local fish, herbs and microgreens to some of the most exclusive restaurants, catering companies, resorts and private chefs in the phoenix metropolitan area.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.SIFarmsintl.com
• Email: info@SIFarmsintl.com or Nathalie@SIFarmsintl.com
• Instagram: SIFarmsintl
• Facebook: SIFarmsintl

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