Agriculture in Manitoba is advancing into the wetter realm of fish farming with the implementation of the Manitoba-Canadian Model Aqua-Farm Initiative, Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives Minister Rosann Wowchuk announced along with the Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO).
The Manitoba aqua-farm initiative will receive funding from the Inter-provincial Partnership for Sustainable Freshwater Aquaculture Development (IPSFAD), Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s national Aquaculture Innovation and Market Access Program (AIMAP) and Manitoba’s entrepreneur in the project, Riddell’s Roasters Inc. from Warren, which is owned and operated by Rudy and Leslie Reimer. The total cost of the project is $1,185,501 and is supported by the province with funding totaling more than $309,000 and an equal amount from the federal government. The Reimers are contributing approximately $350,000 in existing infrastructure and $280,000 in input and operating costs.
Wowchuk noted that aquaculture is the fastest growing food production industry worldwide with the demand for fish and fish products escalating rapidly. Close to half of the fish products eaten today come from aquaculture. “We are very excited and appreciate the opportunity to be involved in this innovative project,” said the Reimers. ”It will help us to diversify our existing farm operation and provide new opportunities for our family farm and our community.”
Manitoba’s fish farm will focus on rainbow trout which is not currently harvested commercially in the province and is expected to produce 100 tonnes of fish annually. Environmentally there is little impact due to the high level of water reuse in the production system. Additionally, possible benefits include the availability of fish manure as a natural fertilizer. Farm construction is slated for completion prior to the end of the 2009.
