Aquaculture production is the fastest growing segment of agriculture on a global scale and is a growing industry in Iowa. Global seafood demand is at an all-time high, with more than half the total seafood consumed coming from aquaculture. Demand for U.S. seafood is growing, increasing by 41% from 1990 to 2018. In 2018, total farm sales from U.S. aquaculture hit $1.51 billion – up from $1.09 billion in 2005.

Interest in indoor fish and shrimp production in Iowa is also growing as more than 100 people attended the 2022 Iowa Aquaculture Conference in Ames, Iowa, on January 20^th. Iowa farmers are looking for opportunities to fill consumers’ demands for fresh, high quality, locally grown fish and shrimp. For many farmers, fish and shrimp may provide an avenue to enter into livestock production or diversify their current livestock farms.

A dynamic group of speakers presented valuable information on rules and regulations, permitting aquaculture facilities, business planning, feeding, aquaponics and marketing.

If you have questions about opportunities in aquaculture, give the Coalition a call for a no-cost and completely confidential farm visit.