| Aquaculture, simply defined
as the cultivation of aquatic organisms, is Florida’s most
diverse agribusiness. Over 800
aquaculturists
produce the greatest variety of aquatic species of any
state in the nation. United States’ aquaculture
sales during 1998 were nearly $1
billion, with Florida ranking third in total sales.
On a biennial basis, the Department releases surveys describing
number of farms, farm size, sales, species produced and employment.
Farm-gate sales have ranged from $35 million to $102 million
over the last 10 years. |
For
support and plan for continued industry growth, the Florida Aquaculture
Policy Act directs the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
to carry out a variety of responsibilities. An important component of the
Act is a farmer advisory committee, the Aquaculture
Review Council. The Council provides guidance to the Commissioner of
Agriculture and critical input on the annual development of the Florida
Aquaculture Plan. The Act also requires all Florida aquaculturists
to acquire a Certificate
of Registration and abide by a set of Best Management
Practices (BMPs), formulated to ensure that aquaculture remains environmentally
friendly. The Department is responsible for compliance with these BMPs.
In the event of a farmer and agency conflict, the Act directs the Department
to provide assistance in the form of an Aquaculture
Ombudsman to intercede on their behalf. |
