Calling All Aquaculturalists

With your Southeast Regional Ag News, I am Haylie Shipp. This is the Ag Information Network.

We did the census agriculturally. Now let’s go aquaculturally. And yes, that is a legitimate word although it does get stick in my mouth a little bit!

USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service will begin mailing the 2023 Census of Aquaculture forms starting December 18. The agency will mail the forms to all producers who indicated in their 2022 Census of Agriculture that they produce and sell aquaculture products. The deadline to respond will be January 15, 2024.

An ag census special study, the Census of Aquaculture will provide comprehensive data at the state and national levels, including production volumes and methods, surface water acres and sources, and sales. Federal, state, and local governments, agribusinesses, trade associations, and producers can use this data.

From NASS Administrator Huber Hamer, “The information that respondents provide will serve as the foundation for many decisions involving the sustainability and growth of the aquaculture sector for years to come.” He adds that, “It’s an opportunity to share your voice with decision-makers.”

The agency has also made survey responses more convenient with their online Respondent Portal at accounts.usda.gov.