USDA Outlook Forum Spotlights American Aquaculture

The emerging aquaculture industry was in the spotlight at this year’s USDA Outlook Forum during a “Tapping the Potential for U.S. Aquaculture” presentation.

The panel, featuring two of Stronger America Through Seafood members, Cargill and Sysco Foods, explored how the expansion of fish farming off our shores would cultivate economic benefits for the U.S. agriculture industry – creating new jobs and economic opportunities for both terrestrial and fish farmers while helping to diversify our nation’s food supply.

Cargill, a leading supplier of feed and nutrition for the aquaculture industry, is investing in research to accelerate and support the expansion of alternative and sustainable feeds, including innovative plant-based feeds.

Utilizing plant-based proteins, today’s healthy protein mix for fish includes ingredients from farm-grown crops, such as soybean, corn, peas, wheat, barley, and rice – all products that can be grown by farmers here in the U.S. New research from the U.S. Soybean Export Council, for example, found that production of U.S. soy presents a low risk for deforestation. 

A partnership between NOAA and the USDA has helped to make innovation happen. The switch from fish-based feeds to today’s modern plant protein-based feeds is done without compromising the nutritional needs that support growing healthy fish. Alternative feeds, such as plant-based, help to reduce the industry’s reliance on wild-caught forage fish, such as anchovies and sardines, which are often used in fishmeal and fish oil. Forage fish play an important role in supporting healthy ocean ecosystems. Learn more about the NOAA-USDA Alternative Feeds Initiative here.

During his panel presentation, Isaac Yun, the Country Director and Commercial Leader of Aqua Nutrition at Cargill, explored the connections between land-based agriculture and aquaculture. “Aquaculture is intrinsically linked to terrestrial farming,” explained Yun. “American soybean farmers currently supply 40% of the soy for all of the global agriculture feeds, and this is one of the fastest growing industries within farming. Now, why is this important? Plant-based ingredients reduce pressures on wild-caught fish stocks and other marine raw materials, and they are a more effective option for fish farmers simultaneously. This creates new revenue streams and job opportunities for farmers and processors in America's heartland.”

Growth in crop demand, including soybean and corn, comes when it is needed most. USDA projected that American agricultural exports would decrease by 3.2% in 2023 to $190 billion, down from a record $196.4 billion the previous year. Reductions in soybeans and corn exports are two of three main contributors to the decline in value. Aquaculture can support America’s agriculture industry. 

Victoria Gutierrez, Senior Vice President and Chief Merchandising Officer at Sysco, the world’s global foodservice leader, explained the importance of aquaculture to Sysco and the broader food service industry as they source sustainable and healthful foods. “America needs a more diverse set of food sources to meet our needs going forward. Aquaculture has the unique potential to improve American food security and nutrition while creating jobs and improving the sustainability of this global seafood industry,” said Gutierrez.