The Edible Source: Your Local Source for FRESH!

The Edible Source Inc. is a small farm located three miles outside of Lincoln, NE which grows fish and plants together through a unique combination of hydroponics and aquaculture called Aquaponics. Currently the farm is operated entirely out of a single greenhouse and along with raising tilapia, produces retail-ready packages of kale, culinary herbs and cucumbers.  All three of these products are available throughout the year in local grocery stores and specialty markets. The Edible Source food products contain no pesticide, herbicide or fungicide residues and are raised without the use of hormones or antibiotics.

What is your business philosophy or mission statement? – The Edible Source Inc. attempts to create a model of farming that minimizes waste, increases food diversity and emphasizes local production.

How long have you been in Lincoln? – The farmland was purchased in 2012; the greenhouse was constructed in 2013.

Who are the owners/important executives? – Adam Beckman, President and primary farmer; Robert Beckman, Treasurer; Christine Beckman, Secretary. We are proud to be family owned and operated.

What do you think makes you different from other companies similar to yours? – The farm operates entirely out of a custom-designed greenhouse.  The greenhouse is built below ground with only the roof and part of the south wall exposed to the sun.  As a result, we can cost effectively heat and cool the building and harvest fresh produce all year round.  Additionally, our farm combines aquaculture and hydroponics into a symbiotic relationship.  The fish provide a nutrient rich waste stream, the plants filter and purify the water and the whole system operates in a recirculating environment which saves water, energy and protects groundwater and rivers from pesticides, chemicals and other waste.

What was the biggest turning point in your business? – The biggest turning point for The Edible Source occurred when we switched from a direct farm to household model and began packaging all of our products into retail-ready containers.  Consumers expect competing food products to look similar and be found in the same place, but have proven themselves willing to pay a premium for local produce when it is on the same shelf as large national brands.

What is the most unique or interesting thing about your business that most people don’t know? – Long term, The Edible Source Inc. is actually an aquaculture oriented farm.  In the next five years tilapia sales will be the largest revenue contributor.

What changes have you seen in the industry and your company in the past few years? – Small farms have always existed, and thankfully many more farms are expanding their ability to grow produce throughout the year.  Some farms are merely planting more cold or heat tolerant varieties, others are building simple greenhouse to extend their seasons and others are investing in infrastructure similar to The Edible Source Inc. in order to offer a truly year-round selection to consumers.

What do you see happening with the business in the next five years? – In the next five years I expect the farm to expand its greenhouse operation to at least one new building, adding 4-5 part time jobs and expanding the market reach of our products to all retail stores in the Lincoln and Omaha areas.

What is one goal for your business that you have yet to accomplish? – The Edible Source would like to become a household name in the Lincoln and Omaha area.  Considering most major fresh produce brands are not household names the goal is lofty. However, we feel that our model is one of the most progressive in the area, our high quality products helps support a healthier lifestyle, and we are excited to see what the future holds.

To find out more about The Edible Source, please call (402) 318-2973 or visit ediblesource.com.