Aquaculture Infrastructure Development

During the 2000 Session of the General Assembly, $4 million was appropriated in the 2000-2002 Budget Bill for Aquaculture Infrastructure needs. Because there was no companion legislation drafted to indicate how this money was to be invested, the funds are under the jurisdiction of the Finance and Administration Cabinet. As a result, the Governor’s Office of Agricultural Policy was charged with the duty of administering this appropriation over the 2001-2002.

In an effort to stimulate the development of an aquaculture industry in Kentucky, the first step was taken to set aside $2 million of this appropriation for an aquaculture pond construction cost-share program. The initial cost of ponds construction is a significant factor that prohibits many interested farmers from entering into aquaculture production. This pond construction cost share program was intended to lessen the financial burden of start-up costs for interested producers.

The Governor’s Office of Agricultural Policy continues to work diligently with the Kentucky Department of Agriculture, the Kentucky Aquaculture Association, Kentucky State University, and the Kentucky Aquaculture Task Force in the development of an investment strategy for a thriving aquaculture industry within the Commonwealth.

• 2002 Aquaculture Annual Reporting Form (.pdf/7 KB)

• HB 502