Don’t forget about fish!

Checkoff partners with fish farmers, processors and grocers

Raising fish in the United States has the potential to increase U.S. soybean meal usage, but consumer misconceptions about environmental issues and the sustainability of fish farms make the growth of this sector of animal agriculture challenging.

The soybean checkoff partnered with the National Aquaculture Association (NAA) to help the U.S. aquaculture industry address these misconceptions and provide information about domestic aquaculture. Through workshops, the NAA teaches local fish farmers and industry stakeholders to spread the word throughout the entire value chain – from community neighbors to processors and supermarkets – about the benefits of the fish-farming industry in the United States.

“Our focus is to educate people,” says Linda O’Dierno, NAA outreach specialist. “There’s so much misunderstanding that we have to address head-on. We cover rules and regulations that we have to follow in the United States to make aquaculture safe and sustainable. We also talk about common misconceptions consumers have and how to address them.”

One of the greatest concerns people have about aquaculture centers on the sustainability of the feed used on fish farms. Though misconceptions always present challenges, the good news for the aquaculture industry is that U.S. soybean farmers can help address this concern. After all, helping the U.S. aquaculture industry supports demand for U.S. soybean meal.

“It is important for U.S. soybean farmers to support all livestock, poultry and aquaculture industries that are vital to the consumption of our soybean meal,” says Laura Foell, a soybean farmer from Schaller, Iowa, and vice chair of USB’s domestic marketing program. “Soybean farmers have a stake in this industry – as a feed source for the fish. The aquaculture industry has traditionally used fish meal as the source of protein in the fish’s diet. We have found that many species are able to use soybeans as a protein source instead.”

NAA held nine workshops in the past year, eight workshops in 2010 and plans to add eight more in 2012 with the help of funding from the United Soybean Board (USB). O’Dierno says that NAA wants fish farmers to feel better about their product and its sustainability and healthfulness.

“We’re trying to build on getting the industry to be spokespeople for their industry,” explains O’Dierno of the educational workshops. “Thanks to funding from USB, we can get out there and get everybody on a positive message. The goal is to educate and make sure they have correct information to share.”

Tags: soybean meal usage