[Sc-aquaponics] Census of Aquaculture

[Smith, Matthew A.]

All,


in reviewing again the Ohio Aquaculture Association's Fall 2018 Newsletter, I'm really taking in the information provided by the National Aquaculture Association's Executive Director, Paul Zajicek. As Paul mentions in his article "Contribute to the 2018 Census of Aquaculture" aquatic farmers who DID complete this year's Census of Agriculture survey will be mailed a hard copy of the Census of Aquaculture survey on December 17, 2018. I trust that if you completed the first survey and indicated you grow aquatic crops that you will receive the follow-up aquaculture-specific survey.


If you didn't complete/weren't contacted about the Ag Census survey then please contact the USDA National Aquaculture Statistics Service at 1.800.727.9540 now to make sure your operation is counted. Don't expect for a survey to be mailed to you if you have never received a Ag/Aqua Census before. With a VERY short turnaround all responses for the Census of Aquaculture survey will be due to USDA NASS by January 14, 2019. That is BEFORE the Ohio Aquaculture Conference.


I'm reminded of approximately a year and a half ago when the NAA wrote a letter (to whom, I can't remember at this point since they have been so active) discussing the 3,093 aquaculture operations in the United States. I was contacted after that letter was sent around stating that surely 3,100 farmers is a bit of a bad estimate/guess and the number is probably much higher - I agree. Which is why whether it is an Ohio aquaculture permit or the Census of Aquaculture, I encourage all to participate. I, along with others, can only report the data. Even within OSU and OSU Extension I have colleagues who do not know aquaculture even exists in Ohio or that OSU even had an Aquaculture Specialist. Every time I get the same type questions - how many farmers? what types/how many of fish/shrimp are grown? and what are the sales like in Ohio? All questions I answer based on Census data. Whether it's a presentation to ABC students, OAA conferences attendees, OSU workshop attendees, invited guest lectures on campus, student-led organizations or others, the presented information will remain the same until the 2024-2025ish Census comes out.


Once the next Census of Aquaculture comes out (2019) I will do what should be done each time one is released... I'll write up an article and give a presentation in Ohio and other Midwest states on the Census of Aquaculture and what it means for our state. The Census results includes the entire United States, each individual state, several of the majorly produced species, most types of production systems (probably including aquaponics again this year!). Being in Ohio it's always good to read and write about positive growth in Ohio despite much of the rest of the Midwest being in decline or stagnant.


A very recent survey of the Midwest aquaculture industry indicated that one of the major reasons why a farmer never joined their state/trade associations is because they were NEVER ASKED. For those that have been in the aquaculture industry only a few years, I'm sure this pertains to the NASS survey as well since it only happens about every 5 years. Therefore, I'm asking.


Frequently asked Census of Aquaculture questions can be found here: https://www.nass.usda.gov/Surveys/Guide_to_NASS_Surveys/Census_of_Aquaculture/. Much more information is provided in Paul's newsletter along with other links.


Not in Ohio? No problem. Your information is pooled into your state and the entire United States.


I hope everyone had a safe and happy Thanksgiving.


Regards,

2018 Census of Aquaculture | 2017 Census of Agriculture | USDA/NASS<https://www.nass.usda.gov/Surveys/Guide_to_NASS_Surveys/Census_of_Aquaculture/>
www.nass.usda.gov
For the 2018 Census of Aquaculture, an aquaculture farm is defined as any place from which $1,000 or more of aquaculture products were produced and sold or distributed for conservation, enhancement, or recreation during the Census year.



Please note my new office address and phone/fax numbers below


[The Ohio State University]
Matthew A. Smith
Extension Aquaculture Specialist

Madison County Extension Office
College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences
217 Elm Street, London, Ohio 43140
740.852.0975 Office / 740.852.0744 Fax
smith.11460 at osu.edu<mailto:smith.11460 at osu.edu> osu.edu<http://osu.edu/>
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