1-20 IAN Fish Grant

 As part of a USDA 2009 Disaster Assistance program, the Idaho State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) is distributing funds to eligible aquaculture producers that suffered losses associated with high feed costs during 2009.  The USDA Farm Service Agency is providing $20 million in the form of grants to states where farm-raised aquaculture producers need assistance as a result of high feed costs.  Funding was allocated to states on a pro rata basis.  Idaho’s share of the funds is $408,980. Here’s ISDA’s spokesperson Laura Johnson: “Aquaculture producers have experienced some very high feed costs and feed is the majority of the cost of production. USDA has set aside funding to help alleviate the cost pressure for producers through grants to states. Idaho distributed $944,838.95 through a similar program in September 2009, authorized under Section 102(d) of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (Recovery Act).  The Recovery Act provided $50 million for a 2008 Aquaculture Grant Program.

Aquaculture is a significant part of Idaho agriculture.