House Community Budget Issue Requests - Tracking Id #3000 Enhancing Rural Economic Development Through Demonstration of High Value Aquaculture Species
Requester:	Andrew Lazur		Organization:		University of Florida
Project Title:	Enhancing Rural Economic Development Through Demonstration of High Value Aquaculture Species		Date Submitted:		01/31/2000 9:51:11 PM
District Member:	Bev Kilmer		Service Area:		Statewide
Counties Affected:	Calhoun
Recipient:	University of Florida Mitchell Aquaculture Farm		Contact:		Andrew Lazur
	Rt. 2, Box 754		Contact Phone:		(850) 674-3184
	Blountstown 32424
Project Description:
This project will increase the technical support role of the University of Florida Mitchell Aquaculture Farm by evaluating the economic feasibility of alternative aquaculture species. This will be accomplished through specific industry-driven demonstration projects integrating marketing, production and economic analysis. Projects will have direct farmer involvement and results will be transferred by workshops and publications. Specific alternative species to be evaluated include: sturgeon, fresh and brackish water baitfish and marine food species. Sturgeon is considered the highest value aquaculture food fish and has established markets for meat, roe and as an ornamental fish. Florida has key advantages for sturgeon production with preliminary production results being extremely promising. Another opportunity for Florida farms is producing baitfish. Recreational fishing is a multi-billion dollar industry in Florida with the majority of live bait being imported into the state. Growing conditions for baitfish are highly favorable in Florida and additional production, marketing and economic information is needed to assist industry. These species offer small farmers greater profit potential and details on the market, production management practices and investment requirements are needed prior to industry adoption.
Services Provided/Benefit to State:
1)Applied demonstration projects will supply valuable production, market and realistic economic information on the feasibility of at least four alternative aquaculture species; 2)projects will be open to the public for tours and project results will be presented in four workshops and publications; and 3)increased statewide clientele technical support will be accomplished.
Measurable Outcome Anticipated:
1)The economic viability of certain aquaculture species identified by this project will help existing farmers and other potential investors to make more informed business decisions, 2)expansion of production will increase income and employment opportunities.
Amount requested from the State for this project this year:				$112,500
Total cost of the project:		$112,500

Request has been made to fund:			Operations
Is there Local Government or Private match for this request?					Unknown
Was this project previously funded by the State?					No
Is future-year funding likely to be requested?					Yes
	Amount:	$112,500
	Purpose for future year funding:			Recurring Operations
	Will this be an annual request?				Yes
Was this project included in an Agency's Budget Request?					No
Was this project included in the Governor's Recommended Budget?					No
Is there a documented need for this project?					Yes
	Documentation:	supported by Florida Food and Bait Aquaculture Advisory Committee
Was this project request heard before a publicly noticed meeting of a body of elected officials (municipal, county, or state)?					No