Aquaculture Finance Roundtable Held in Indianapolis

By CnAgri2012-10-23 19:45:00 Print

Industry representatives from across the country attended the first annual Aquaculture Finance Roundtable in Indianapolis. Hosted by the Indiana Soybean Alliance (ISA) and Soy Aquaculture Alliance (SAA), this one-day program featured speakers and information pertinent to the future of the domestic aquaculture industry. Guests at the event included a variety of aquaculture producers, educators and lenders.

"Soybeans are already the number one protein source used in aquaculture feeds in the world today at more than 10 million metric tonnes," said Duane Dahlman, chair of SAA. "The U.S. soybean industry sees sustainable aquaculture development as an exciting market, especially given the fact that global fish meal production is at its maximum."

Guests began their day with a presentation from keynote speaker Steve Berson, Partner at Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP. Berson has represented companies, venture capital firms, private equity firms, hedge funds, and investment banking firms in hundreds of public and private offerings, mergers and acquisitions, and other corporate, securities, and technology transactions.

Following the keynote address, a variety of panel discussions provided updates on critical issues for aquaculture. A production system panel discussed a number of aquaculture production systems, including recirculating systems, ponds and net pens. Next, a financing expectations panel provided the audience with information regarding financing aquaculture operations. Finally, a producer panel, including leadership from Bell Aquaculture, Tippco Fish and Icicle Seafoods, discussed experiences obtaining financing for their own operations.

"Hosting the Aquaculture Finance Roundtable provided an opportunity for large and small scale aquaculture producers, industry representatives and financing professionals to network and discuss common issues facing the aquaculture industry," said Dr. Steven Hart, SAA executive director. "Partnering with a state soybean checkoff, like ISA, allowed us to focus on issues specific to producers in Indiana, while providing a broad range of information that appealed to a much wider audience."

To conclude the day's event, guests enjoyed a networking reception as an opportunity to visit with speakers, discuss opportunities with lenders and share experiences.

For more information about the Aquaculture Finance Roundtable or future Soy Aquaculture Alliance events, contact Dr. Steven Hart at sdhart@soyaquaalliance.com.