The US aquaculture industry needs greater political support if it is to achieve its full potential. According to NAA, filling in the new Census will help © Greg Lutz
At a time when the sector needs all the political support it can get, the association is encouraging farmers of all scales to help show how important in the industry is.
“By filling out your Census form, you provide the most accurate information possible. The National Aquaculture Association has been diligent in bringing a variety of concerns to Washington DC but in order for Congress or the federal agencies to take significant action or to demonstrate that these needed changes are real, the NAA and you have to have the numbers,” the association notes.
“Last conducted for production year 2018, the Census of Aquaculture will yield current industry-specific data. This information is used by federal, state, and local governments, agribusinesses, trade associations, and producers to make decisions impacting the sustainability and growth of the US aquaculture. The data is also used to support and justify federal and state research, education, extension, aquatic animal health programs and opportunities for farmer participation in demonstration projects and efforts to reform regulations,” they add.
“Participation in the Census will help show the Congress, state and local governments and federal and state agencies that aquaculture is a growing, diverse and vibrant economic force producing great farm-raised seafood (fish, clams, oysters, mussels, shrimp, and seaweed), bait, freshwater and marine aquarium fish, corals, or invertebrates, recreational fish for private and public stocking, and other products like exotic alligator leather, live turtles as pets, or triploid grass carp to control nuisance aquatic plants. In order for US aquaculture to gain traction at the federal or state levels, legislators and federal and state agencies representatives need to understand the scope and breadth of US aquaculture. And the jobs and income created and sustained by rural, urban, and coastal farms,” they conclude.
