Background

Aquaculture is a form of agriculture that involves the breeding, raising, and marketing of aquatic animals and plants in a controlled environment.  It is one of the fastest-growing agricultural industries in the world.  Driving the growth of aquaculture is the increasing demand for seafood products, declining catches from traditional fisheries, and the need for non-contaminated fish.  

Seafood is among the most important, commonly available, and most inexpensive food source in the world.  It is also one of the most overlooked areas of agriculture in many countries, with the primary focus being on cattle, poultry and swine.  Given the increasing demand for seafood, there is a significant potential for increased economic growth in an expanded aquaculture industry. 

How can the program help?

• Economic development mission participants will gain a greater appreciation of the importance of good feeds for the fish in order to increase their yields.

• A greater understanding will be gained of the various types of fish operations and their economic advantages and disadvantages.

• They will learn about different marketing techniques and methods used in the U.S.

• Participants will learn to appreciate the advantages of forming an association to represent their collective interests.

Topics to be covered

The four major types of aquaculture to be covered are: ponds, cages or net pen, raceways, and recirculating systems. Each will be discussed and visited.  In addition, high-protein feeds will be discussed as well as methods of increasing the fish yields.  New species which may be of interest to the developing country will be covered.  

What will the mission see?

The mission will visit small- to medium-sized enterprises predominantly located in the U.S. Midwest region.  It will visit fish farms of various types, fish food suppliers, hatcheries, research centers, universities, trade associations and cooperatives, and retail and wholesale marketing organizations, and others to learn economical processes and procedures.  Participants will have an opportunity to meet with industry executives and university research organizations to learn and discuss successful strategies and tactics for planning growth, gaining access to capital, and managing costs. 

Example benefits from Ukraine

• New marketing approaches were initiated at the large Pechenegei fish farm with the result that they can sell all the fish that they raise.

• New techniques are now being used on existing ponds to increase the length of the harvest season, thus providing increased employment opportunities.

• New plans were initiated for installing recirculating systems with higher yields and a lengthened harvesting period.

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