This funding is available through the Aquaculture Research Program, administered through USDA's National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA).
The Aquaculture Research program focuses on projects that directly address major challenges to the US aquaculture industry.
Results of projects supported by this program are intended to help improve the profitability of the US aquaculture industry, reduce the US trade deficit, increase domestic food security, provide markets for US produced products, increase domestic aquaculture business investment opportunities and provide more jobs for rural and coastal America.
Aquaculture contributes more than half of the seafood consumed globally, and this contribution is expected to grow. Although US aquaculture production has shown growth in the past decade, the US currently still has an approximately $12 billion trade deficit in seafood products and imports more than 90% of seafood consumed.
The factors that limit aquaculture in the US are complex and multifaceted. Applied research in genetics, disease, production systems, and economics is needed to develop practical solutions that will facilitate growth of the US aquaculture industry.
This research will help reduce the US trade deficit in seafood products and enhance the capacity of the aquaculture industry to contribute to domestic and global food security and economic growth.
Since 2014, this program has awarded nearly $2.5 million in funding. For information on last year's funded projects, visit the NIFA website.
Applications are due May 17. Please see the RFA for more information.
