Aquaponics is an Agri-tech frontier in agri-food production systems that synergizes aquaculture and hydroponics in a recirculating, closed system with a low environmental impact. This paper aims to analyze the potential development of commercial aquaponics in Portugal, contributing to sustainable agri-business and food security in the country. The information and data were collected through structured interviews with stakeholders to understand the potential and perspectives of the sector, as well as the regulatory constraints and strategic enablers. The methodology includes univariate methods, a restricted scoping literature review, and mainly qualitative analysis based on interviews with eleven Portuguese stakeholders, including entrepreneurs, academics, policymakers, and practitioners. Based on the information and data, content analysis, key attitudes, perceptions and limitations were identified. The findings reveal a strong perception of administrative and institutional inefficiencies of aquaponics in Portugal, low consumer awareness, and legal inconsistencies and restrictions. Despite these barriers, aquaponics is viewed as a promising and innovative technology with the potential to reduce carbon footprints and agricultural inputs, promote local food systems and short food supply chains, and foster circular economies. The conclusions of this paper highlight the importance of investing in aquaponics and developing research and development schemes to advance the Agri-Teck aquaponics sector, as well as regulatory and institutional reform, certification schemes for aquaponics production, and public engagement to facilitate the scale-up of aquaponics in Portugal.

The authors thank the anonymous reviewers for their constructive feedback, which substantially improved the manuscript. They also thank M. J. Machado of DINÂMIA’CET-ISCTE for administrative assistance.

Aquaponics,Artificial Intelligence,Agri-tech,Circular Economy,Food Security,SDGs

• Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries - Agriculture Sciences
• Economics and Business - Social Sciences