About

Crisp Farms offers a way for people to access organic, artisan vegetables, and fresh, humanely raised tilapia–all using a system that honors nature’s processes and conserves local ecosystems.

The seed for Crisp’s concept was planted on a family sorghum and cotton farm in Smetana, Texas, where Bob Nagelhout was raised. The farm was sold when Bob’s uncles went to war and the family moved to Dallas, but a deep appreciation for nature was instilled in Bob by his Uncle Johnny. At the age of ten, he developed a passion for gardening and fishing, something he passed on to his son, Chris.

Almost 50 years later in Austin, Texas, Bob and Chris were introduced to aquaponics by a friend. That introduction became the catalyst which drove them to conduct extensive research, network with aquaponics experts, and acquire meaningful hands-on experience. As their understanding and excitement grew, Bob and Chris developed a unique business plan: a sustainable aquaponics farm that utilized a closed loop, zero waste design for growing organic produce and humanely raising tilapia to be shared with their community.

In 2017, Grant Richardson joined Crisp, contributing his expertise in water/wastewater treatment to the team’s leadership. First introduced to the idea of aquaponics by Chris while completing his Environmental Engineering Master’s degree, Grant quickly became instrumental in helping launch Crisp as a commercial scale aquaponics farm.

Crisp Farms is more than just a business. It’s an opportunity to change people’s relationship with food and their assumptions about modern food production. Crisp offers a chance to rekindle an appreciation for the ingredients and diverse palette of flavors offered by nature–a passion Chris discovered while studying in Italy. He observed that eating was an experience which connected people with each other and their appreciation for the origins of food and the water it is nourished by.

Crisp is the result of family tradition, a deep-rooted love for delicious, wholesome food, and a conscious effort to support the local community. It is a way to connect people’s health with a respect for their environment and the promise of a bright, sustainable future.