"The workshop will cover aquaculture regulations in Indiana, general aquaculture production practices, starting an aquaculture operation and the costs involved as well as marketing aquaculture products," said Kwamena Quagrainie, a Purdue aquaculture expert.
The free workshops open to the public start 8 July in Miami County. The rest of the workshop dates are 11 July, LaPorte County; 17 July, Floyd County; 22 July, Franklin County; 1 August, Posey County; and 6 August, Morgan County. Locations for all of the workshops can be found online at www.indianafishfarming.com.
During the workshops participants will explore ways to become involved in what is becoming a popular food market, Quagrainie said. Speakers will discuss how to start an aquaculture business and the financial obligations that are required.
"Most of the current producers sell fish to the live market but people will hear the results of a recent study of the types of fish grocers and restaurants want and their preferences for an Indiana brand of fish," Quagrainie said.
Some of the topics that will be discussed include updates on the current Indiana aquaculture initiatives and opportunities and tips on how to obtain permits and what regulations must be met. Presenters will also talk about how to make a good business plan, broken down by species and amount of production that occurs.
A DVD that features various aquaculture production systems and information to consider when starting in the business also will be shown.
"Current farmers looking for an alternative farm enterprise, people interested in knowing more about this growing industry, and hobby fish farmers thinking of going commercial," Quagrainie said.
For more information, contact Kwamena Quagrainie at ( 765 ) 494-4200 or kquagrai@purdue.edu.
Workshops on How to Start Business in Aquaculture
WEST LAFAYETTE - This summer Purdue University Extension and the Indiana Soybean Alliance is to host a series of free aquaculture workshops.