Palazzo and Guest Praise USDA Grant Awards in Mississippi

Press Release

Congressman Steven Palazzo (MS-4) and Congressman Michael Guest (MS-3) praised the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Institute for Food and Agriculture award for the Special Research Grants Program for Aquaculture. Of the seven awardees, two are from Mississippi: Ai Control Technologies, Inc. in Ocean Springs and Mississippi State University.

These awards, totaling $2 million, for the Special Research Grants Program for Aquaculture are awarded to support the development of new science-based information and technology for environmentally and economically sustainable aquaculture industry in the United States. The Special Research Grants Program for Aquaculture is authorized by the Competitive Special and Facilities Research Grants Act to develop practical solutions that will facilitate growth of the U.S. aquaculture industry, reduce the U.S. trade deficit in seafood products, and enhance the capacity of the U.S. aquaculture industry to contribute to food security and economic growth.

Ai Control Technologies (AiCT) will develop a novel buoyancy control and recovery system for aquaculture shellfish farming rafts. Initially intended for mussel farmers, the system will autonomously control offshore submersible rafts. Mississippi State University aims to provide U.S. catfish producers with management strategies to mitigate losses associated with fish-borne trematodes.

"I am deeply proud of Mississippi coastal communities' contribution to America's fishing and farming industries. The United States still imports nearly 90% of our seafood, and of that, more than half is produced through foreign aquaculture without domestic oversight. As our population grows, so does the urgency to meet the domestic demand. Investments in aquaculture research will position the nation toward independently producing healthy and affordable seafood for future generations to enjoy, which will also boost our economy and create jobs in our state," said Palazzo.

"These grants will positively impact a vital part of our Mississippi economy. Our aquaculture industry not only puts food on the table for millions of Americans, but it also fuels economic growth and creates a sense of pride that Mississippians are contributing to a well-fed nation. I'm proud to join our Mississippi delegation in working to see that our aquaculture community remains a strong component of Mississippi's economy," Guest said.

Mississippi aquaculture has risen back to the top of the United States ranking, with $230.7 million in sales. Known for farm-raising catfish, Mississippi boasts 205 catfish farms with sales valued at $219.7 million.

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