Aquaculture is one of the fastest-growing food industries in the world, serving as the primary source of aquatic animals available for human consumption since 2016. While only about one in five Americans are considered frequent fish and seafood purchasers, consumers are increasingly gravitating toward this source of protein, citing health benefits as an incentive. Bolstering the U.S. food fish industry could offer long-term food security benefits while presenting a local opportunity for Minnesota’s aquaculture industry to become an even more significant resource for supplying fresh products to consumers.
A 2020 consumer research study conducted by Russell Herder on behalf of the Agricultural Utilization Research Institute (AURI) examined the potential for strengthening Minnesota’s food fish aquaculture industry. Respondents indicated their purchases of fish may increase with the availability of locally grown options, particularly for select species. The study also revealed that positioning Minnesota food fish aquaculture products as environmentally friendly, sustainable, and healthy sources of key nutrients could help more local producers gain market awareness and market share.
Join AURI Connects: Webinar Wednesday on July 14th for an overview of the report and key takeaways from the study. Presenters will provide actionable information for Minnesota’s aquaculture producers as well as related businesses and organizations by helping inform and support the expansion of work already underway across the industry.