Catfish Farming Grants

Catfish eventually land on dinner plates, providing tasty fare.

Catfish farming grants exist for enterprises of all sizes. From micro-enterprises to large fisheries, catfish farming provides food for Americans. A form of aquaculture, catfish farming enterprises vary from fingerling production for pond stocking to recreational fishing ponds where anglers pay for what they catch. Catfish farms may average 2,000 lbs. of catfish per acre when practicing aquaculture, states the Oklahoma State 4H website.

Aquaculture Grant Program

Administered through the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Aquaculture Grant Program, catfish farmers may apply for grants. Aquaculture grant proceeds are distributed in the form of feed credits usable at participating feed stores. The grant is designed to offset the increases in the cost of catfish food. Check your state's department of agriculture for aquaculture grants in your state. As one example, in 2009, the Texas Department of Agriculture, with this federal funding, instituted a grant program for catfish and other aquaculture farmers. In December of 2010, an additional $1.4 million in federal funding was added to this grant program.

National Fish Habitat Conservation Act

Senator Joe Lieberman, in June of 2011, introduced legislation to the U.S. Senate called the National Fish Habitat Conservation Act. This Act proposes grant assistance for fish habitat projects. It hopes to ensure that the U. S. maintains robust fish populations. Grants would help provide for sustainable fisheries in the U.S., including those of catfish farmers. Regional catfish farms will work with the National Fish Habitat Board which will recommend projects to the Secretary of the Interior.

Farmers' Market Promotion Program Grants

Catfish farmer cooperatives, networks or associations may apply for federal grant funding offered through the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Marketing Service Farmers Market Promotion Program. It has set aside $10 million for 2011 in hopes of increasing the national consumption of agricultural commodities including catfish. The grants intend to expand direct producer-to-consumer trade by funding agri-tourism industries such as catfish fishing, as well as new farmers markets and roadside stands, for example. Grants range from $5,000 to $100,000 dollars and no matching is required.

Fish and Wildlife Management Grants

Some species of catfish are endangered or threatened. Private catfish farmers with an understanding of the conservation concerns of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife office in their region may apply for funding from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Management Flex Funds. Begun in 2008, these flex funds offer continual grants on a region-by-region basis. For instance, the Southeast Region Flex Funds total $300,000 and it expects to fund 25 grants, as of 2011.

References

• Texas Department of Agriculture: TDA Announces $1.4 Million in Federal Funds Available...; December 2010
• National Fish Habitat Action Plan: Lieberman Introduces Legislation to Improve Waterways, Protect Fish Habitats; June 2011
• "Federal Register": Notice of Funds Availability (NOFA); June 2011
• Grants.gov: Southeast Region Flex Funds; June 2008
• Oklahoma State University Extension: 4H Youth Development: Oklahoma Ag in the Classroom

Resources

• Fish America Foundation: Apply for Grants; 2011
• "Southwest Farm Press": Grants Awarded to Catfish, Shrimp...; September 2009
• State of Arkansas: Recovery Programs and Projects: 2008 Aquaculture Grant Program; Laura Wise; 2008
• The Library of Congress: National Fish Habitat Conservation Act; June 2011