US fish farmers get more help
The cost of fish feed for US fish farmers climbed considerably in 2009, and a program funded by the U.S. Farm Service Agency was established to provide assistance to the industry. The Peruvian fish meal and fish oil industry is expecting an El Niño year in 2011, which will lead to lower fish oil outputs. Production is also forecast to decline in other producing countries, which will lead to a supply shortage. On the contrary, world wide demand continues to be strong and thus prices are likely to move up even further.
The aquaculture business is focusing on the increased use of raw materials for fish feed production from the agriculture industry in order to ensure the opportunity for industry growth. In the meantime, compensation for high feed prices is provided to North Carolina aquaculturists as this Media Newswire release explains;
North Carolina aquaculture producers are eligible to receive grant money to offset losses sustained in 2009 due to high feed costs as part of the 2009 Aquaculture Grant Program. The program is funded through a block grant from the U.S. Farm Service Agency. Producers must have raised an aquaculture species in a controlled environment in 2009 and continue to be in operation. In addition, to be eligible for a grant, total feed costs in 2009 must have represented at least 25 percent of the total input costs of operation, and the 2009 costs must represent an increase of at least 25 percent above the average of the previous five years. “We are glad to be able to administer this grant program for our aquaculture producers,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “Aquaculture is an important part of our agricultural economy, and it’s a great example of the diverse commodities produced in our state.” N.C. aquaculture producers raise catfish, hybrid striped bass, freshwater prawn, trout, gamefish and ornamental species. The deadline for applications is Dec. 15.
